Leadership in Action – Week 2
Learning to Listen: Compassion in Action

This week, I had the chance to attend one of BCF’s monthly support group meetings. Although I wasn’t part of the actual discussions (which are kept confidential), I supported the session by helping out with logistics. Even from the sidelines, I could sense the strength of the community. The members greeted each other with ease, laughed over shared moments, and created a space that felt welcoming and deeply supportive. It was inspiring to see how much positivity and connection they brought into the room.

After the meeting, I was given the task of designing a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the session. I initially approached it from a research perspective—focused on structure, measurable outcomes, and getting clear feedback. But during discussions with the team, I realized that my approach needed revising. In this context, empathy is necessary. The way we phrase questions has a big impact on how comfortable participants feel when responding.

Some of my original questions, while logical, came across as a bit impersonal. Through team feedback, I learned how to frame them more thoughtfully, using language that invites rather than interrogates. It was a valuable lesson in how research and compassion need to go hand in hand.

This experience reminded me that understanding impact isn't just about data—it’s about being present, listening closely, and creating tools that honor the experiences of the people we serve.