Are you Listening?
Most of us can pinpoint conversations we’ve had in our lives that stand out among the rest. We remember the location, the person, the topic, the feeling. The reason being is that something mentioned in conversation made us think. Made us take a step back. There are probably a few conversations we can think of that had that impact, whether it was a positive or a negative talk. The one I’m thinking of was about the ability to listen. Did you catch that? Were you listening?
A few years ago I was having a conversation with a co-worker during my teacher break. This co-worker is one I grew to love and respect. Debbie had a few years of age on me, but that’s what I loved! She was so wise from her real life experiences which included her fair share of heartache. She was one of those people who, if I had been thinking correctly at 23 years old, would have followed her around with a notebook just taking notes of her.
On this particular day, we were sitting in the office, and she said, “do you ever feel like people don’t know how to listen anymore? Finding someone who is a good listener is a rare find.” Of course, I immediately wondered if I wasn’t a good listener, but knew I hung on every word she said. She was just making a comment, but I will never forget that comment and its impact on me. I wanted to make a conscious effort to be a good listener.
What is so important about a good listener? More than we realize.
A good listener is someone who isn’t constantly thinking about what they will say next.
They just listen. Sometimes I find I’m guilty of trying to form my response so quickly, the person talking to me sounds like Charlie Brown’s mom, and I’ve missed what they said.
Being a good listener is a virtue that demonstrates selflessness.
During a conversation, a good listener sits quietly, but you can tell completely with you. They aren’t trying to interject their experiences or “one up you.”
A good listener is teachable.
We have a very short opportunity in this life to learn. Realizing we don’t know everything and instead would benefit from listening and learning is crucial.
It is amazing how much deeper relationships can become when we become better listeners. When you listen more, you become sharper employees, kinder parents and more loving spouses. Ultimately, it is putting others before ourselves. It takes practice to be a good listener. In fact, focus on listening more every day, for every conversation.
Author, Trainer, Life Organizer®
Melinda Smith, CPO® organizes and executes action plans, training, and consulting. Great referrals are business owners, executives, and companies looking for sustainable change. Above all, she can help create a more productive work, a happy home, and a prosperous you.
Particularly relevant is the fact that Melinda has worked with companies and individuals for over 20 years. Conducting workshops across the East Coast, they include over 60 cities in 19 states. Equally important focus topics include Strategic Thinking, Teambuilding, and Organization. As well as Balance Strategies, Stress Management, and Embracing Change.
After all, Melinda was one of the first 200 in the nation to achieve a Certified Professional Organizer status. Also, she is also a graduate of the Western School of Feng Shui (pronounced feng shway).
Melinda has owned Balance & Harmony 360², Inc., since 2003. She is also the author of The Complete Guide for Balance & Harmony OWL Kit. Also, this kit consists of a book, workbook, and F.O.C.U.S. Journal as well as five products to help organize Work, Home, and You.
Melinda’s training, books, consulting, advising, and speaking options, as well as where to purchase, visit:
Website: www.balanceharmony.com
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