The Art of Listening

Listening is a powerful skill that engages with others by asking questions, shows interest in their opinions, and actively choses not to judge one's perspective or beliefs.

Listen to this powerful story.

Betty Bigombe is an internationally-recognized expert with over 26 years of experience in complex policy and operational frameworks related to conflict resolution, mediation, and management in fragile countries world-wide. Appointed by national and global entities to lead initiatives that promote peace and reconciliation in war zones, refugee camps, and violent civil and inter-state conflicts.

In the early 1990s, Betty convinced the Ugandan president to send her in to meet with Joseph Kony who is responsible for murdering more than 100,000 people, abducting over 30,000 children, and displacing over two million Ugandans.

After months of effort, Betty was able to make contact. Initially Joseph Kony was insulted at the prospect of negotiating with a woman. With time and persistence, Betty negotiated to get permission to meet Kony himself. Soon Kony would refer to Betty as “Mummy,” and he even agreed to leave the jungle to start peace talks.

Although the peace effort didn’t succeed, opening Kony’s mind to conversation was a remarkable accomplishment. Her single most important super power was listening to Kony.

To learn more on listening, read the blog here.