Michael

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. - Epictetus

The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said. - Peter F. Drucker

Listening. For many, it’s a lost art. But, it’s definitely worth starting to do more. Listening is a fantastic gift to a friend, a partner, children and frankly to just about anyone.

Many times the sole act of listening will give someone the exact support they need. As a listener, your main goal is three fold:

• Tune down or your thinking.
• Stop trying to figure out solutions to their problems.
• Hear whatever the person is saying; especially between their words.

When people realize that they are being listened to, they become relaxed, more in touch with their true feelings and allow themselves to release whatever they need to get out.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that you should sit there and not utter a word. Of course you can talk, but in a more supportive role, helping the other person to express what they need to express, encouraging them to get to the detail that is needed.

Remember, the person in need of a listener is not looking for solutions to their problems unless they specifically ask. Instead of giving an answer to that question why don’t you ask them how they would answer if someone had asked them? I believe that the everyone has their own answers. You can help them to find it. Their own solution/answer will be much better in the long run.

Make listening one of your many tools to help others.

Michael