Episode 209 with Jenny Morgan - Communication with empathy & compassion

On this episode Brian Berneman and Jenny Morgan explore approaches to challenging conversations, emphasizing empathy and understanding diverse perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy & self-awareness are crucial for effective communication across differing views
• Fear & shame are counterproductive; curiosity and compassion foster connection
• Creating time/space to understand others' experiences is vital, despite perceived urgency
• Language & labels can both connect and divide; nuanced understanding is key

Understanding Self and Others:

• Self-awareness enables better understanding of others' perspectives & experiences
• Recognizing common human experiences (e.g. trauma, survival mechanisms) builds empathy

Empathy, Fear & Shame in Conversations:

• Fear stems from feeling unsafe, can lead to lashing out or freezing up
• Shame is ineffective for inspiring change
• Empathy requires curiosity & openness to others' unique realities

Language & Emotional Complexity:

• Words/labels can create misunderstanding; important to clarify meanings
• Emotions are complex; rarely experiencing just one feeling at a time
• Being comfortable with nuance and "gray areas" enables more productive dialogue

Positive Approach to Change:

• Optimistic realism: focusing on potential for growth & positive outcomes
• Finding common ground can bridge ideological divides
• Engagement with positive news/framing more impactful than "doom and gloom"

Book "Cancel Culture in Climate":

• Helps readers explore themselves & form connections across differences
• Provides frameworks for motivational conversations & value-based discussions

Jenny Morgan is a dedicated advocate for sustainable change, with expertise spanning Corporate Social Responsibility, social and environmental impact, the B Corp Movement, and climate strategy. Her passion lies in creating lasting, positive impact, and fostering collaboration within the climate movement.

For more about Jenny find her on cancelcultureinclimate.com.