Empathy is a topic that was necessary to discuss because our interviews should provide insight into the hearts and minds of our stakeholders. The discussion was short as many of our team members can make the connection that empathy is a meaningful attribute and sympathy can lead to assumptions and misrepresentation of our stakeholder. Objectivity is the only way to lead into upcoming interviews with our stakeholders.
Empathy forces us to put ourselves in the stakeholders situation and allows a clear vision of their needs and their vision of the future of our district.
Our experience with HCD21 has been building to the point of interviewing the people that do not necessarily have a voice in the development of something new in our community. This experience also sets up a support for those who play an active role in our community.
The typical questions usher us into the future…
Where have we been?
Where are we going?
Anyone in this process needs to let the solution come to them. There are still struggling cohort members that are seeking out solutions before understanding the problem. The process, if forced, will have negative results and will diminish if we cannot first learn to listen.
I have heard “First seek to understand, then be understood.” So trying to solve a puzzle with only half the pieces, will be frustrating and distracting. I anticipate a great deal of learning from the interviews you will host. Can’t wait to hear about them.