About listening

Language has its wisdom and one proof is the fact we have two verbs in relation to audition: to hear and to listen.

While hearing is mandatory except if you have a physical problem, listening is something else, and it can be the key to have a better communication and relationship; it is also considered a virtue for leaders.

Listening is natural for many, but others need to develop that special skill. Among the last ones, some do realize that need, others face so many obstacles that one day reaches that point of realization, but there will be many who won't listen at all...

If you are a natural one, congratulations. But if you would like to develop that sense of listening, here are a few tips that have helped me (yeah, you guessed right, I am not a natural...):

• If you are going to talk to someone, check your own motivation and interest. You cannot fake you are listening, but you can tune to your own motivation towards listening to the other person.
• Before talking to someone, organize your life. Definitely, put your mobile phone in hold (switch that off, if you may), but other aspects of your life too. Be there, present with the other person, as if nothing else is going on in the world.
• Listen with attention. Get into your inner silence and make your best to not analyze or think about a response right now. There will be the moment...
• Remember: you are not a closet. Yes, smile and laugh, nod your head and do little talk in a way that you don't interfere with the other person's talk, but at the same time don't be too quiet.
• If you can't give the person a proper quality time, don't give it. Negotiate another moment and explain it is because you really care about the other.

May you be a good listener!