Power in Listening Emphasized at School Meeting

This morning, the school community was welcomed back with a talk, entitled "The Power in Listening." Greg Schneider, Ronald M. Druker ‘62 Head of School highlighted our community's ability to engage in thoughtful dialogue, praising how students navigated potentially divisive moments such as the recent election season with maturity and respect.

Drawing from his own experiences as an educator, he shared how he learned the value of listening from a mentor who demonstrated that true leadership often manifests in the ability to listen rather than dominate conversations. He emphasized that listening is not just a skill but an essential component of character development, particularly crucial for students preparing to enter college.

Mr. Schneider encouraged students to become "bridge builders" in an increasingly polarized world, noting that while it may be comfortable to seek out similar viewpoints in college, the real growth comes from engaging with divergent perspectives. He compared the discipline required to become a better listener to the dedication students show in athletics – it requires consistent, deliberate practice and personal commitment. "Far more important than reputation or intelligence – listening is the foundation for empathy...and working together, for that matter," he said.

The talk concluded with insights from Dr. Adam Cox's work on understanding and listening to boys, offering numerous observations about how boys think, learn, and grow in educational settings. These reflections reinforced our school's commitment to understanding and supporting boys' development through attentive listening and genuine engagement.

This message particularly resonated with Belmont Hill’s mission of developing young men who can thoughtfully engage and build bridges across differences – skills that are increasingly valuable in today's world.