3 Points to Ponder
- “Listening is becoming a forgotten art as the world tells us we need strong opinions and to pick sides. Instead, pick the person sitting across from you to understand them. If you are being honest, what level of desire do you have to understand someone else in most of your conversations?”
- “A great question is more powerful than a great statement. The best Teacher of all time asked questions in conversations. How often are you asking questions versus making statements?”
- “Being with a great listener is like swimming with a strong current. It comes easy and pushes you along. In what relationships do you need to be a better listener to push the relationship deeper?”
2 Quotes to Share
“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” – Bryant McGill
“Listening is an attitude of the heart, a genuine desire to be with another which both attracts and heals.” – L.J. Isham
1 Story of Impact
Earlier this week, I had lunch with a Central Iowa community leader doing great things within his sphere of influence. But, the lunch didn’t go as I expected as it was more than obvious this leader was tired, troubled, and questioning things. Knowing what he needed, I quickly switched gears to being an active listener and asked him questions. It was apparent he needed an ear to bend and a safe place to vent as his work can be overwhelming. As he talked, I could see some of the tension lift in his physical posture and he started to gain clarity in his thoughts. Towards the end of our time together, he stopped and said, “Man, I’m sorry for dumping on you today as normally I’m the let’s-get-this-done-type of person. I needed this though. You are a great listener. Did someone teach you that or something?” I had to laugh because listening has not come easy in my life. I like to talk, and it has taken me years to gain the skill to listen well. And it is a skill. In a world where the voices are so loud and demonstrative, the power of listening stands out because it is rarely seen. How much do you listen? How can you become better at listening? I can guarantee you that even if you think you are a good listener, those around you would love it if you become better at listening. This week, focus on your listening and see how your conversations go. You might surprise yourself and those around you.
