Challenging Assumptions [MaP Listening Circle]

The gap between what we think people want and what they actually seek can be vast. We all sometimes struggle to recognize when our deeply held assumptions about audiences cloud our judgment. Join fellow MaP community members for a guided deep listening practice focused on moments of revelation about audience expectations and community goals. Our theme this season is Strategy, and a critical part of strategy is ensuring our decisions align with actual community goals rather than simply supporting institutional habits. What to ExpectThis is not a workshop about identifying assumptions. Instead, it's dedicated practice time for deep listening — hearing how others have encountered and processed their assumptions about audience needs. The goal is to strengthen our listening capabilities, not to solve specific challenges. During the session, you'll: • Listen as community members share stories of times when their assumptions about audience needs were challenged or overturned • Use our simple Miro board template to capture insights about how assumptions shape our decisions • Practice identifying the hidden beliefs that influence our strategic choices • Choose your level of participation — share your own experiences or simply observe and learn Follows the Chatham House Rule ("stories stay, lessons leave") to create a safe space for honest reflection. Why This Format WorksInstead of typical networking sessions with forced icebreakers, you'll hear from two or three fellow members as they share their experiences with specific challenges in museum work. Whether you choose to share your own story or learn through observation, you'll come away with a better view of how fellow professionals approach their work — the kind of understanding that fosters meaningful professional relationships. Who This Event Is ForThis session will be of interest to: • Museum professionals seeking to strengthen their strategic decision-making through better listening • Leaders interested in surfacing hidden barriers to strategic alignment • Value Realization Collaborative participants practicing listening skills • Listening Deeply course participants who would like to practice what they’ve learned Value Realization Collaborative participants will find this session particularly valuable for developing capabilities that support their 2025 implementation work. Preparation• Review the Deep Listening Quick Guide (sent after RSVP) • No prior experience needed (anyone can do this kind of listening!) • A stable internet connection for virtual participation • We’ll use a Miro board for collaborative practice, but you don’t need a Miro account to participate. Try Miro. About the FacilitatorKyle Bowen will facilitate the session, drawing on his experience helping museums implement listening practices that strengthen both internal and external relationships. RegistrationSpace is limited to maintain an intimate, trusting environment. RSVP for this free event using the provided link and add the event to your calendar. You'll receive a reminder email on the day of the event with a link and instructions on how to join. If the event is full, leave a comment below ("Please add me to the waitlist").