Strong communication relies on active listening

A project-based seminar on Design Thinking challenged me to collaboratively employ an empirical, human-centered approach to reimagining Colgate's Core Curriculum. I researched and analyzed my group's recommendation's quantitative assumptions to ensure its operational feasibility. The project culminated in a well-received 10-minute presentation to an audience of peers, faculty, and administration, alongside a 14-page formal proposal.

The first step of the design process involved collecting qualitative data through dozens of interviews to better empathize with our community. I walked into each with a written list of questions and a mental list of anticipated responses, yet was consistently met with shock. Interviewing relies on listening without sharing — reflection revealed that I shaped conversation towards the familiar by identifying and focusing on shared values and experiences. Intent on creating a proposal relevant to the community, I attempted to instead approach interviews with curiosity and reflection. The distinct perspectives of students and faculty added critical depth to my portrait of the Core, empowering me to refine the team's design problem.

Active listening is an invaluable skill. Not only does the form rely on treating others with empathy and respect, but it is also a low cost–high reward approach to conversation. Moreover, an open mind is a strong tool against unconscious bias. Interviews revealed that students and faculty were experiencing the same classes with distinct lenses, consistent with neither majors nor backgrounds. I could not presume to grasp how someone experienced their classes because people are fundamentally defined by their distinctive mindsets.

I immediately utilized this skill to improve my interactions with the team. The effort prompted greater collaboration and creativity, and we soon landed on our final solution of team-teaching. Active listening also allowed me to identify my relative quantitative strength on the team. When an administrator noted logistical concerns, I took the initiative to recalculate the distribution of Core professors to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposal. Such is the value of specialization and synergy.

The experiential project-based style of learning brought me a deep appreciation for collaborative learning and working environments. The class has been my favorite at Colgate.