Active listening is an essential practice in Raízes Sustainable Development projects, allowing us to build meaningful narratives and promote real change. By listening openly and respectfully, we create a safe environment in which participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives. This approach strengthens connections and enriches the development of solutions aligned with the needs of the communities involved. We talked about it in the article “To identify or not to identify the interlocutor? Reflections on active listening, trust and impact “.
Practicing active listening goes beyond simply hearing what the other person has to say. It involves genuine presence, real interest, and a willingness to understand without formulating answers beforehand. This means accepting pauses, interpreting the feelings behind the words, and asking questions that deepen the conversation. When we practice this kind of listening, we create a space of trust, where each person feels that his or her voice has value and can contribute to real change.
Whether in community projects, the workplace, or everyday relationships, active listening strengthens bonds and improves the quality of interactions. Small gestures, such as maintaining eye contact, validating emotions, and avoiding distractions, make all the difference. When we listen attentively and respectfully, we broaden our understanding of the world and pave the way for more authentic and collaborative relationships.
Find out more about how we work with active listening here at Raízes in the video below (in Brazilian Portuguese):
