Royce Kok Sustainable Development Solutions: A skill to be learned "Shut up and Listen!"

In respond to Ernesto Sirolli "Want to help someone: Shut up and Listen"

An image of Ernesto Siroli

The main motives of western countries are imperialist, colonist, and missionaries. Generally, western countries have good intentions; most want to help either to bring civilization, to bring technology, or to educate. However, they often arrived at these countries with a sense of superiority of a sense of “better than thou” mindset. In Ernesto Siroli TED talk series, he speaks of the idea of patronize and paternalism. He made the reference of “Thank god we are here. To save the Zambian people from starvation.” However, the local people take no interest in participating in the Italian farming. The actions of the Italian that brings minimal benefit to the community and this makes Ernesto question their approach. Perhaps the patronizing and paternalism was not a favorable way of getting involved.

The next time around, Ernesto Sirolli did something different. This methodology is much more welcomed and accepted by the communities. It is such a simple action but so difficult to execute. It is simply to “shut up and listen”. While at the field, an outsider should never initiate any idea, never motivate any individual rather to be “the servant of the local” who has a passion to better his own business or the community.

To “shut up and listen” is so counter-intuitive. To “shut up and listen” to us almost seems too passive and too counter-productive especially to us American. We are anxious to see measurable results and returns. We want to get our hands on an “important” project as soon as possible and to do so without recognizing the local’s need. Perhaps Ernesto Siroli is correct, the best way to help the locals is to listen, to listen to their needs and to do so their way. Listen to them at their “natural habitat”, at a local café or at the dinner table. Listening is such an important skill set that are often overlook and undermine.