A vital skill in these protest times
Pain is hard to articulate for a victim. Many respond in different ways when in agony. In the face of the current ENDSARS protest across Nigeria, one vital skill that would bring a lasting solution is listening. Listening is a skill that is often overlooked and mistaken for hearing. Listening is an art that is honed over time. The challenge is to listen to get the real pain point. Often, there is so much communicated when relaying an event, and it is easy to miss the crux. Only one with skill can sieve through a sea of words and emotions to get to the heart of the situation to proffer the right solution.
Listening is often downplayed, but in a polarized world full of uncertainty, it has become a priceless asset.
To be seen as a fair in a case, there must be a track record of trust and integrity. If the victim does not perceive this, he/she would feel cheated.
Victims often result in unconventional means to get justice when previous approaches failed to yield result.
The bible sites an example in Luke 18 with the unjust judge and the widow. The widow had a case, and the judge failed to pass judgement. Her constant and consistent bickering troubled the judge and decided to do the right thing. His decision to do the right thing wasn’t out of pity or care for the widow but to avoid continuous attacks from her.
No matter one’s status in life, you might find yourself either as a victim or a judge.
Listening is not only used for resolving conflict but to also build relationships. Friends who listen are ones many go to for solution (even on topics they have no experience on).
For one to listen well, one must have clarity on the problem as he wades through the symptoms. One thing that must never be missed is the goal. If the goal is clear, a solution is in sight.
Like every craft, it takes time to develop. Constant practice is still the path to mastery.
