The power of listening

Listen! Did you hear that? It was your chance to learn something new.

You’ve heard the old adage about how you’ll never learn something you don’t already know if you’re doing all the talking. Too often, we’re so focused on what we’re going to say next that we never take the time to really hear what others have to tell us. They know it, too, unless they’re caught up in the same mindset.

In the end, what might have developed into a valuable relationship leaves both of us with our own thoughts. We end up right where we were in the beginning.

But there is a way out. Here’s where to start:

• Respect the other person in a conversation enough to realize she knows something you don’t. Look for that nugget of knowledge through the power of conversation. Without realizing it, your sincere engagement and honest listening could pay off in a solid, productive exchange.
• You know the saying that everyone has a story? It’s true! Although there’s a time and place to tell yours, as well, you’re going to come out of an encounter wiser for truly listening to what makes others tick. Unless you know it all–and despite what you think, that’s probably not the case–you have a lot to gain by jumping into the wonderful diversity of our world.
• When it’s time to talk, your mastery of the lost art of listening will make others eager to hear what you have to say. In some sort of ironic twist, people often find you most interesting when you haven’t delivered the “me” monologue and moved on to the next mark.

In the process, who knows? You might learn something new about yourself. It’s worth a try!