diverge · Ideation · 15 min · 5-40 people · medium energy

Selective Hearing

Selective Hearing is an active listening exercise that helps teams focus on specific aspects of a discussion to extract key insights. By assigning different listening roles, it ensures a comprehensive capture of relevant information and promotes deeper understanding.

When to use Selective Hearing

Use this method when you need to gather specific types of information from a presentation or discussion, such as identifying the 'why,' 'how,' and 'what' behind a project or initiative. It's particularly useful for visioning exercises or strategy development.

What it solves

Difficulty capturing diverse perspectives during group discussions; unfocused listening leading to missed insights.

How to run Selective Hearing, step by step

  1. Assign listening roles (Why, How, What) to participants. (2 minutes)
  2. Present the description or topic. (5 minutes)
  3. Listeners capture relevant comments on sticky notes (one comment per note). (5 minutes)
  4. Listeners share their sticky notes, grouped by listening role. (3 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Sticky notes
  • Pens
  • Flip chart paper or whiteboard
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Clearly explain the listening roles before starting.
  • Encourage listeners to focus on capturing the essence of the comments, not verbatim notes.

Common pitfalls

  • Listeners may struggle to stay focused on their assigned role. Remind them of their specific task.
  • The presenter may not provide enough information for each listening role. Prepare the presenter beforehand.

Variations

  • Assign different listening roles based on the context (e.g., opportunities, challenges, solutions).
  • Use a digital whiteboard to capture sticky notes remotely.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms in Zoom or Teams to facilitate smaller group discussions. A shared digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural can be used to capture and organize the sticky notes.

What it produces

A collection of sticky notes categorized by 'why,' 'how,' and 'what,' used as inspiration for a shared vision or strategy.

Origin

Adapted from Mischief Makers — source

Build a session around Selective Hearing

METODIC places Selective Hearing inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Selective Hearing · Try METODIC free