The gift of compassion: A Listening Forum at Dartmouth College Library

Abstract

Tools like Zoom and Slack helped to facilitate regular work during the self-quarantine period of the pandemic. However, stress was increasing among staff. The informal, everyday interactions among colleagues was missing, including the stress relief those informal interactions provided. A small group of Dartmouth College Library staff were inspired to explore a different avenue to help staff deal with stress and offered a Listening Forum. The goal was to actively listen to each speaker, not to respond with ideas, suggestions, or other forms of dialogue. It proved to be a special gift for participants.