Emily Kasriel is the author of Deep Listening: Transform your relationships with family, friends and foes. She joins the Allyship in Action Podcast this week to share insightful perspectives and practical tips on deep listening.

Key takeaways from the conversation:

• Deep listening goes beyond active listening. It's not just about repeating or paraphrasing, but about being truly present, understanding the emotions and underlying messages, and reflecting those back with humility.
• Self-awareness is crucial. Recognizing our own biases and "shadows" allows us to listen more openly to others.
• Silence is a powerful tool. Creating space in conversations allows for deeper reflection, creativity, and can shift power dynamics.
• Curiosity is key. Approaching conversations with a genuine desire to learn and understand, rather than to debate or convince, fosters connection. Asking about the origins of someone's beliefs can be particularly helpful.
• Listening doesn't equal agreement. It's important to remember that understanding someone's perspective doesn't mean you endorse it.
• Connecting with those who hold different views can be transformative. It can combat loneliness and foster social cohesion by recognizing our shared humanity.

Actionable Allyship Takeaway:

Cultivate curiosity and seek to understand the origins of others' beliefs, especially those different from your own. Emily emphasizes the importance of asking "what in your life experience has led you to feel what you do?" when engaging with someone who holds differing views. She explains that this approach can foster connection and understanding, even in the face of disagreement, by humanizing the other person's perspective and providing context.

For those interested in learning more, Emily's book, "Deep Listening: Transform your relationships with family, friends and foes," is available for preorder and will be released in the US on June 24th. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn and explore her website, https://www.emilykasriel.com/ , for more information on her work. Find Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/