Article: Wise Women continued

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Wise Women continued

Part two of two

For the first part of this article, click to Wise Women, our March diversity newsletter.

Consider the benefits of cross-generational communication and learning. Think of how much we could gain from each other if we shared our places in history, our experiences, and our perspectives. We also know that wise women can learn from the perspectives of younger women as they work and live in ways that older generations could never have predicted. It's all about appreciating each other and inspiring us all to move forward.

Two-way dialogues like these can occur if two critical factors are present—curiosity and desire. Once these elements are in place, conversations of head, heart, and history can begin.

Head Conversations are about sharing experiences, information, knowledge, and expertise in ways that are not only interesting, but beneficial. They might contain a thought that sparks a new idea or sends thinking in a new direction. They might be the voice of experience missing from a brilliant solution. They support the formula that 1 + 1 can equal 3 or 5. These conversations don't begin, "Let me tell you what you should do," but rather, "Have you considered?" or "In my experience, I have found. . ." They carry no judgment. This works when the receiver is open to learning and accepts the information as a gift.

Heart Conversations are about sharing feelings, passions, concerns, and excitement in ways that "get real" around topics. These conversations are about empathy, hope, and enthusiasm. Heart conversations are not "pity parties"—there is no room for whining. They are conversations, especially across generations, that promote a greater understanding of each other and of the human condition we all share.

History Conversations are about life lessons from a particular place and/or time. These are the stories I cherish most. History conversations are different from history "lessons." There is no test to pass. There are no expectations. They are food for thought that often puts issues and concerns in proper perspective. This is where I fear that young women have the least curiosity and desire to listen, which is their loss. Whatever the belief, these conversations are valuable to foster because so many stories have gone untold from women's perspectives.

So, for the thousands of "wise women" out there (and wise men, too), we encourage you to find the time to open these dialogues. Aunt Edith would love to speak to you at any time from the lovely new apartment she moved into last December, surrounded by her cherished possessions, each with its own story. If you want her number, please let me know.

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SOURCE(S):
For learning more women's wisdom the Library of Congress Women's History web page is a good reference.