Roommate conflicts
A resident tells you they feel unheard by their roommate. Using the LARA method, what is your first step?
What is Listen?
A resident shares that they’re struggling academically. How do you show them you’re listening without offering immediate advice?
What is paraphrasing their concerns and asking open-ended questions?
A resident makes a casual comment that unintentionally excludes or stereotypes certain identities. How do you respond productively?
What is gently correcting them while fostering a learning opportunity rather than blame?
A resident vents about an issue. How do you listen without shifting focus?
What is maintaining eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing their emotions?
What’s one core principle of active listening that strengthens leadership?
What is making people feel heard and valued?
A resident complains that their roommate is too loud at night. What is a clarifying question you could ask?
What is "Can you tell me more about when this usually happens?"
A student expresses difficulty adjusting to campus life. What’s a helpful follow-up question?
What is “What’s been the hardest part about settling in?"
Someone fears opening up about their identity. How do you create a safe space using active listening?
What is validating their feelings and letting them lead the conversation?
A heated discussion erupts in a group setting. What’s a key step in de-escalating tension?
What is redirecting the conversation with neutral, clarifying questions?
How can active listening transform your community?
What is fostering trust, resolving conflicts, and creating inclusivity?
Two roommates are arguing and both insist they're right. What technique can help them feel understood and move toward a resolution?
What is perspective-taking?
A resident doesn’t open up easily but shows signs of distress. What strategy could help them feel more comfortable?
What is validating their feelings and giving them space to share at their own pace?
A resident expresses frustration about representation in campus programming. What’s a way to encourage advocacy?
What is affirming their concerns and discussing ways they can get involved in planning inclusive events?
A student expresses frustration with campus policies but doesn’t understand their full impact. How can adding information improve the discussion?
What is providing historical or contextual background while ensuring their concerns remain central?
Residents bring concerns to you. How do you ensure follow-through while maintaining boundaries?
What is validating their concerns, offering guidance, and ensuring they have access to resources?
A resident vents about their roommate’s behavior but doesn’t recognize their own role in the tension. What’s a way to help them reflect without placing blame?
What is asking, “How do you think they might see the situation?"
A resident is looking for campus resources but doesn’t know where to start. How can you guide them while empowering their independence?
What is offering a few tailored suggestions and encouraging them to explore options that fit their needs?
A student hesitates to join identity-based housing due to uncertainty about fitting in. What’s a thoughtful response?
What is acknowledging their concerns and sharing positive experiences from others in the community?
A disagreement occurs where one person feels silenced. How do you ensure equitable dialogue?
What is making space for both perspectives while maintaining respect?
What’s a strategy to empower residents rather than just providing solutions?
What is asking intentional questions that encourage self-reflection and problem-solving?
A roommate conflict has gone unresolved despite multiple conversations. What step should be taken next?
What is facilitating a mediated discussion with clear agreements in place?
A resident feels disconnected from their peers but hasn’t actively engaged. What’s an approach to encourage involvement?
What is suggesting small, low-pressure opportunities to build connections, like attending casual social events?
A resident faces discrimination from peers but doesn’t feel comfortable addressing it. What’s an effective way to support them?
What is helping them explore their options, whether through reporting, finding allies, or creating safe dialogue?
A resident is emotionally reactive in conversations. How can you guide them toward a constructive discussion?
What is acknowledging their emotions while helping them focus on solutions rather than reactions?
What is one long-term commitment you can make to improve your listening skills as a leader?
What is practicing perspective-taking, intentional questioning, and self-reflection regularly?