Listen Carefully

Listening skills are a rarity. Most conversations go like this: One person speaks while the other eagerly waits for his turn to speak, not paying a lick of attention to the other.

What is the point of this? If neither person is listening, why not just have them both go talk to a brick wall that way they can talk all they want.

"Wisdom is the reward you get from a lifetime of listening when you would rather have been talking" -Aristotle

What if I told you that if you sat patiently and really listened to what someone is saying, you will learn a large amount of information you would have bypassed otherwise. Why donesn't everyone do this? Think about it- If I am talking to you, I am relaying information that I already know, If you are talking to me, I am obtaining new knowledge. Therefore, it makes much more sense for me to listen rather than speak. I learn way more.

It is extremely refreshing when you are speaking to someone and they are actively listening to what you are saying. You will, more than likely, trust that person and feel a deeper connection with them. Sucessful people often rise to the top by developing connections. What easier way to connect is there than the simple deed of active listening?

I challenge you walk up to a friend today who you speak to regularly. Start a conversation, but instead of talking to them, let them talk to you. Ask them questions and try to delve deeper into where they are coming from. Pay close attention while they are talking and give feedback to what they are saying. You will be surprised not only how much you learn, but also how the signals they give off become warm and trusting when they know you are truely listening.

Remember, successful people know how to connect with others and active listening is one sure-fire way to connect.

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

-Sir Winston Churchill