Why We Have Dedicated Ourselves to Convu’s Mission

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Convu’s mission is to make good listening available wherever and whenever it is needed.

 

It goes without saying that listening is often needed!  If we all counted the times that we felt misunderstood (or that we would have appreciated a little empathy and understanding to help us get through a rough patch), those numbers would add up quickly.

 

Likewise, if we consider the challenges in our world that are best addressed through cooperation and collaboration–those “wicked” or “complex” problems that call on us to listen, adapt, learn and grow–the number of situations where listening is needed accumulates quickly… like snow in a blizzard!  

 

There is no shortage of demand for listening, but what about the supply?

 

At Convu, we have observed that all humans have a natural capacity to listen. At least in some situations, we all find it natural to be curious, attentive, respectful and engaged. With practice, we are all capable of extending those qualities to more and more situations, staying attentive and curious even when we disagree with someone or (more challenging still) when we notice ourselves taking offense. 

 

Convu has a track record. We are proud that participants consistently report that they feel supported and empowered in meeting personal and professional challenges, that they feel more connected and related to other people, and that they develop relevant, ready-to-use interpersonal skills. 

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But our reasons for inviting people to practice listening go deeper still. 

 

We believe that your listening makes a difference

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Twenty-first century humans are surrounded by information–ever more tailored, timely, abundant and available information–and yet our modern societies are also more lonely, isolated, anxious and disconnected than ever before. Why?

 

At Convu, we believe that information is no substitute for conversation. What makes conversation different from an “information transaction” is the experience of being present with and for each other. 

 

To get an idea of the difference between an information transaction and a conversation, consider the following analogy (based on a true story). You have just come to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The view is blocked by a thick curtain of clouds. You are contemplating your options, your disappointment, your “bad luck,” when suddenly the clouds fly up out of the way, revealing a stunning, breathtaking panorama. You are fascinated and filled with awe and wonder.

 

You are taking in the surprising view, as well as the dry warmth of the air and the sweet smell of pine, when a car pulls up behind you. The driver steps out, snaps a photo, glances at their screen, steps back into the car, and drives away… a pit stop that lasts all of 45 seconds. 

 

In this story, taking in the Grand Canyon is like being present in a conversation. You are willing to be changed, to be impressed, to be present to the unique experience that is unfolding before you and within you. In contrast, the “pit stop photo” is an information transaction: the viewer captures a representation and takes it with him, but remains unchanged. He does not enter into a relationship with the landscape. 

 

At Convu, we believe that listening is what makes a conversation powerful and uniquely human. Such conversations–we call them “convus”--are often satisfying in ways that information transactions cannot be. They provide the surprising–indeed, often awesome and wonderful–experiences of learning, growth, healing, connection, and belonging that we often seek in vain in our “information feeds.”

 

This is why we invite you to join us. We believe that your listening makes a difference!