Great listening is not just being silent when the other person is talking. It’s being engaged with what they are saying. It’s giving them 100% of your energy at that moment. It’s making them the center of your universe. Now, given those standards: Do you still rate yourself currently as a “Great” Listener?
We have a lot of noise in our heads, don’t we? Our “to do” lists, “Oops I forgot to pay that bill”, or “I’m hungry”, or even our anxiety that this person is taking too long to get to the point, etc. A million things.
Becoming a better listener starts with intent. It will not be achieved accidentally. And it does take discipline.
The payoff is there, though. This skill definitely improves dialogues and enhances relationships. Ponder the rewards and then consider working to improve this skill. It’s actually rather calming and fun.
Next week: Secret Number Eight.