How to Listen So People Can Think

Difference

Committing to freedom from untrue assumptions driving prejudice 

Prejudice consists of untrue assumptions, particularly about identity groups, and therefore acts as a thinking inhibitor. When we commit to freeing ourselves of these assumptions, we enhance the quality of everyone’s thinking.
A Thinking Environment helps realise this commitment.


— TimeToThink.com
Interrelated components 

Difference

Each component of a Thinking Environment can impact the presence of any of the others.
For example, a person who is thinking can be held back by limiting assumptions* about groups they identify with ("I can't think because I am  ..."). Without Equality, some people's contributions may not be made, heard or used. Relevant Information, when shared equally, enables all to contribute.


          * Limiting Assumptions can be addressed by Incisive Questions

Spot the missing component

To create a full Thinking Environment, all components need to be present. When the Thinking Environment is not what it should be, here are things to look out for when it comes to Difference.

  • Are you assuming that you can't think as well as others because you identify with groups about which there is prejudice that you have come to believe is true? 

  • Do you think others might be assuming that they can't think as well as others because they identify with groups about which there is prejudice?

  • Are we truly interested in thinking which is seriously different to our own?

If thinkers are limiting themselves because of prejudice which they have come to believe is true, how can this be addressed? If a group is experienced as safe - but only then - participants can list groups with which they identify, decide on the most limiting assumption and find a true and liberating alternative.