Overview

• • By staying attuned to these insights, the basis of situational literacy, we will be better able to engage in this core set of practices for building belonging in our daily lives. 

1. Ask questions and listen to the answers: Appreciating how much we might discover about people and their circumstances drives curiosity. In turn, showing genuine curiosity about others is one of them ost powerful bond builders. And by getting people’s perspective rather than guessing at it , we are better positioned to provide the support they actually need. 

2. Give your perspective: A complement to the need to perspective-get is to perspective-give. Too often we fail to dig into why we hold our views and feelings and to articulate clearly what they are. Sharing more fully, especially our own stories, can allow others to see us with new eyes. Research suggests that simply explaining not just what we feel but why we fell as we do can prevent others from stereotyping us. When we disagree, we can still express our points of view, but much like a courteous driver who wants to switch into a busy lane, we should signal our intent and give people time to make space for us in their minds. Go slow. 

Core Components

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Perspective Getting