For years and years and years people have talked about how important listening is. Books are written, seminars are taught, coaches encourage it and bosses expect it. But for some reason most people are pathetic at it. Even after all the lectures, books and teaching most are just not willing to listen. I hereby challenge you for the next 30 days to listen. Actually stop your mind and your mouth and your smart phone and listen. It’s not difficult if the focus is changed from you to them. It is not that hard if it’s committed to. With all of the distractions we have swirling about us it can be a challenge to pay attention. So what! There are a lot of things that are challenging in life. 30 days, I am begging you to do those you know a favor and actually pay attention, ask good questions and pay attention some more. There is no greater indicator of respect than to listen to what another person has to say. Set the distractions aside and care enough about others to listen to what they have to say.
Here are some ways to do just that:
1. Eliminate distractions – turn off phones, make eye contact
2. Be interested in them and what they have to say. Do that by asking great questions.
3. Avoid subtly turning the conversation back to you
4. DO NOT INTERRUPT.
5. Take and interested body posture and slow down. Rushing creates a sense of disrespect.
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