“Listening is a commitment and a compliment. It is a commitment to understanding how other people feel, how they see the world. It means putting aside your own prejudices and beliefs, your anxieties and self-interest, so that you can step behind the other person’s eyes. You try to look at things from his or her perspective. Listening is a compliment because it says to the other person. I care about what’s happening to you, your life and your experience are important.” People usually respond to the compliment of listening by liking and appreciating you.”
I read the quote above some 16 years ago, and it still sticks with me. I view listening as one of the best interactive tools for learning new things. Sure, I can use the “googler” to learn something, but then I miss the whole experience of engaging with someone and them dropping some knowledge on me or me dropping knowledge on them.
Rather than texting or emailing with someone today, make the time to see them in person and do a little listening. You’ll be surprised on the number of things you can learn when you put the phone down and listen.
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