Truly listening goes beyond measuring

From CV to Story

Anna works with Career Story Interviewing, a scientifically grounded method that views a career not as a list of facts but as a narrative. Where a CV shows what someone has done, the story reveals why certain moments became meaningful.

The core of this approach: employees are not just workers with a set of skills. They are authors of their own career story. And that story answers three questions that are crucial for both the employee and the organization: Who am I? What do I value? Where do I want to go?

Research shows that people who understand their story adapt better to change, are more optimistic about the future, and experience their work as more meaningful. They are more productive in their development and more engaged with their organization.

Employee Experience Requires More Than Data

From the employee experience perspective, Joost sees the same need. Organizations are used to measuring, but true listening requires something different. It demands slowing down in a system built for speed, and a willingness to face feedback that may be uncomfortable. The link between listening and productivity is not direct—but it is strong. People who feel seen, capable, and free experience less stress and make fewer mistakes. Loyalty arises from connection, not control. Creativity thrives where there is room for autonomy and learning.

The takeaway: don’t focus on productivity itself, but on the experiences that give people energy, motivation, and confidence. Productivity will follow naturally.

Why Now?

Work is changing at a pace that leaves little to hold on to. Where career paths were once predictable, people now construct their own journey amid ongoing change. That becomes much easier when you know yourself well and can share your story with others.

At the same time, organizations are increasingly networks of people and technology. Algorithms make decisions, processes are automated. That’s exactly why the human factor is becoming more important—not less. We need to monitor less and listen more. Not to control, but to stay on course.

Can AI Listen?

One question sparked much discussion during the webinar: what is the role of AI in all this? The honest answer: AI can do a lot—but not everything. Generative AI offers new possibilities for scale and pattern recognition. It can summarize stories, identify opportunities, suggest concrete next steps. But empathy and safety remain human.

A story only comes alive when it’s shared with someone. That requires a listener who actively co-creates, who asks follow-up questions, who creates space for meaning. Technology can help hear what’s said—but not why it’s said.

The Essence

Employee experience without true listening is mostly just measuring. With true listening, you gain context, meaning, and change. For organizations struggling with engagement, turnover, or talent development, there is an opportunity here.
Not in yet another survey—but in creating space for the story. In asking questions that go beyond “How satisfied are you?”
Questions like: What made that moment important to you? What does this tell us about what you need?

Want to Learn More?

Would you like to watch the full webinar with all the insights and tips from Anna and Joost? You can now watch the replay below. Would you like personalized advice on what true listening could mean for your organization? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help. And want to stay updated on our next events and webinars? Follow our LinkedIn page and don’t miss a thing.