Fast Company Daily How to listen to opinions you don’t want to hear
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Jul 22, 2025 In a world where we often seek validation, the podcast explores the value of embracing opinions that challenge our beliefs. It discusses psychological barriers to accepting diverse perspectives and emphasizes active listening as a tool for inclusion. The art of listening is highlighted, encouraging uninterrupted engagement with opposing views to foster deeper understanding and richer discussions. Ultimately, it shows that sometimes the opinions we least want to hear can offer the greatest insights.
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Why We Resist Different Opinions
- We often resist opinions that differ from our own and scrutinize contradicting evidence more harshly.
- We also tend to conform to the group beliefs, making diverse opinions hard to accept.
Listen Before Reacting
- Listen fully before responding to a differing opinion and resist interrupting.
- Let them finish, as premature reactions can silence contributors, especially in unequal power dynamics.
Repeat To Understand
- Repeat back what you heard to validate the speaker and ensure understanding.
- This encourages future dialogue and clarifies nuanced or new viewpoints.