![]() If you are like most people, you would have experienced being in a conversation with with someone, and you get a sense that they aren't really paying attention to you... sometimes it's not obvious it's just a feeling and other times well it's clear they aren't really listening, you will notice their eyes looking around scanning the room, or they are checking their phone for messages and Facebook updates, or they randomly comment on something totally irrelevant to what you were saying... it's frustrating isn't it! On the flip side, when feel you have been truly heard, how wonderful does it feel? It's like you have a deep connection with the person involved, you feel really satisfied. One of our biggest challenges with dealing with other people is effective communication. Being able to share your thoughts and wishes effectively is a skill most people have: but you also have to be open to what others have to say. Did you know that the most important aspect of creating relationships with others - whoever that me be - begins with listening. Like the example above, most people, possibly even you, confuse hearing with listening. This can lead to misunderstandings, arguments and frustration for both parties and if you are the one needing to be heard, you may even feel unimportant. You can't control other peoples actions or how they listen to you... so lets all start to adopt some great listening techniques for ourselves (You will be amazed at how people will love talking to you when you are a great listener!) ![]() So how do you become a great listener? It's easier than you think, and it it's paramount to your progress in relationships and when doing business. If you don't learn to be a great listener you will continue to discount other peoples thoughts, they in turn will become emotionally distant (not a great thing in an intimate relationship) and they will no longer want to contribute to conversations or provide you with creative ideas (That hurts in a business situation!) Here are some important tips!
If you re looking for more ways to improve your effectiveness, contact us for a complimentary discovery session or attend an upcoming workshop or event!
To your ongoing success! Georgia
11 Comments
21/7/2014 02:12:13 pm
Wonderful advice and so often needed! I think when I listen I do so because I come from a space of 'living in the present moment' rather than always thinking ahead. It took a while for me to get to that place. Also since I learned that relationships are important and if I wasn't willing to contribute by really listening how would anyone ever extend that same courtesy to me? It's important to be a good friend first and then it will turn it'self around on you one day. Listening is an art form and once it is truly done properly, well you'll know a lot more about the person than you think. Thank you for sharing.
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22/7/2014 11:40:25 am
Great points Paula
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21/7/2014 05:15:02 pm
This drives me INSANE! After a year of travel I returned home relaxed only to discover everyone being highly strung and NO ONE was listening to anyone. You're spot on when you say we can't control how other people listen to us though. I've been improving my listening skills for many months now. I'm determined to never make anyone feel under-valued because I don't bother to listen to them!
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22/7/2014 09:49:06 am
To be a good listener we need to be present, present in that conversation. Thank you for this every so important reminder!
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22/7/2014 11:37:42 am
Hi Georgia
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22/7/2014 02:09:47 pm
Hi Colin, I am not familiar with Nancy... I will need to do a 'google'. Happy to chat anytime :)
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23/7/2014 04:46:55 am
Great post here Georgia.
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23/7/2014 09:39:36 am
Some great tips here Georgia, In my courses i talk about hearing as being the teanager syndrome, "In one ear and out of the other with nothing happening" whilst active listening is about "listening with a view to taking action on what is being said", that action could be nothing more than summarising back to the individual what youn understand they have said and so proving you are listening, understanding and interested.
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