The Power of Listening

Listening to someone else talk is probably the easiest thing in the world to do. You just have to sit back and focus on what they are saying. You don't have to respond other than a head nod or some other facial expression to let the person speaking know that you understand what they are saying. If listening is so easy to do, why is there often communication problems in almost every facet of everyday life?

My theory is that people generally do not know how to listen. I always thought I was a great listener, until it was pointed out to me by more than one person, that I really wasn't. The true art of listening is an acquired skill that like so many other skills has to be practiced to be effective.

Next time you are in a conversation with someone take the time to focus on what they are saying and the words that are coming out of their mouth. Put all other thoughts in your head aside and truly listen. I guarantee you will come away with a clear understanding of what they said and you will be much better prepared to respond.

This concept can be really powerful in business and in life. If you listen carefully, people will usually give you all the information you need. You can then process that information to craft a response that is based on their actual needs, not your preconceived notions. Everyone has the ability to effectively listen, then properly process that information, most just choose not to do it. Developing this trait can become a key component to success in all areas of your life, helping to eliminate communication problems that cause so many problems in relationships today.