I recently read an article that described a new twist to the concept of "humility". In communication sciences and disorders professions, we've become increasingly aware of the need to develop cultural competence and humility.  Competence involves knowledge and skills, but what is humility?

The article I read, "To Cultivate Humility, Lend an Ear", described research by Avraham Kluger and Michal Lehmann. Lehmann explored whether good listening preceded humility. She found that listening increased self-identification of humility for both listeners and speakers in a conversation.  "When you talk, you become more aware of the different parts of yourself," said Lehmann… "humility involves tolerating the positive and negative of the self in a balanced manner and seeing the entire picture…"

It seems, then, that humility involves engaging with others, being a good listener as well as sharing our own thoughts, and becoming more self-aware. These behaviors allow us to develop greater understanding of the big picture.  It was interesting for me to note that Kluger and Lehmann are researchers in the area of organizational behavior, so they are interested in communication in workplaces.

How do Kluger's and Lehmann's findings relate to our work as communication disorders specialists? Do good listening habits and humility lead to happier and more productive workplaces? What can leaders do to cultivate listening and humility in workplaces and in our professions? 

To read the entire article, go to: Randall, Rebecca (2022). To Cultivate Humility, Lend an Ear. John Templeton Foundation. https://www.templeton.org/news/to-cultivate-humility-lend-an-ear

 

 

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Alison Lemke, M.A., M.P.A., CCC-SLP, CBIS
Director of Clinical SLP Education
Associate Clinical Professor
University of Colorado-Boulder
2501 Kittredge Loop Drive/409UCB
Boulder, CO 80309
Alison.Lemke@Colorado.edu
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