"Intellectual humility is the recognition that what you believe to be true may be wrong” (Mark Leary - What Does Intellectual Humility Look Like?)
Over the years I have become more than a bit leery of certainty. In fact the more I learn about the complexity of teaching and learning the less certain I've become.
When someone says "this is the way" I always hope they will add "that works for me...in my context...in my school...with my students." As mentors listening with uncertainty and being intellectually humble are powerful gifts we can give those we support (and learn from).
Listening with Uncertainty
- Listening with an open mind and an open heart
- Acknowledging that our beliefs (however valid and solid they may feel to us) could be fallible
- Demonstrating sincere interest in what another person says in order to be better informed about our own ideas and beliefs
- Recognizing and valuing divergent opinions
- Seeing listening as an opportunity for personal and professional growth
Developing our Intellectual Humility
Recognizing our own Biases
- The moment we can identify that our perspective and set of principles aren't necessarily inherently right or universally held by all people, the more willing we can be to entertain other perspectives
Listening to Learn
- It can be easy to get upset and double down on personal opinions when someone offends our sensibilities
- These moments represent opportunities to focus on listening instead of trying to "win over" the person.
Related Resources for Mentors