Listening

Do you truly listen to others?  Here is a little exercise you may want to challenge yourself to.  It is a great way to sharpen your listening skills!

When someone is talking to you about a problem, issue or concern give that person the space to speak what is on their mind without interruption.  Listen closely to what he or she (from now on referred to as she) has to say, because the next thing you will do is repeat to her what you heard her say without any comment or judgement.  You are just making sure you heard what she was conveying to you correctly.

This is a bit tedious, but it has three great benefits: 1. It makes you really pay attention and 2. The person you are listening to feels good about the attention and space you are giving her and 3. The chance of misunderstandings and personal interpretation (where you mingle your story with hers) is minimized or at least reduced!

When I did this exercise for the first time, it was amazing to me that despite the intent listening there were still clarifications that had to be made and things I even misunderstood!  It is a great way to achieve more clarity and deeper understanding.  Give it a try!  You will be surprised at the results.