Hello you, Yes, you, the person reading this. Are you a listener?<\/p>\n
Or, are you semi-listening, determining what you think the person is saying or will say, and planning your response?<\/p>\n
To truly listen isn\u2019t natural for many of us. We make assumptions, believe we know more\/better, can be impatient, interrupt, feel a need to defend ourselves, and usually our brain automatically starts planning. Planning: our defence, our position, an explanation of our assumptions, to get our point across, the words we want to use, etc.<\/p>\n
Planning isn\u2019t listening.<\/p>\n
Planning is an action that ensures we aren\u2019t present to hear\/sense\/observe\/understand what the speaker is actually saying.<\/p>\n
Interrupting isn\u2019t listening \u2013 I know this-I\u2019m a work-in-progress reformed interrupter.<\/p>\n
Interrupting is an action that cuts people off because we are impatient or excited (with the caveat that there may be times when one must interrupt).<\/p>\n
Listening is a gift!<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a gift to the speaker and a gift to yourself.<\/p>\n
Actively listening requires presence, focus, openness, intention, and curiosity.<\/p>\n
Listening can feel uncomfortable. Whether listening to a client, colleague, boss, friend, family member, stranger, or equally yourself, it is the most important act you can offer another or yourself.<\/p>\n
Listening builds trust. Listening is learning. Listening de-escalates. Listening is kind. Listening is imperative.<\/p>\n
Listening demonstrates that you value the person and what they have to say.<\/p>\n
Everyone wants to be heard.<\/p>\n
Listening is one of the most important skills in the Craft of Client Service.<\/p>\n
Listening, like all skills we seek to master, requires practise. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n
Listening will allow you to continue to:<\/p>\n
Remember, listening involves listening to what is said and what isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
I thank you for listening to me.<\/p>\n
– Laura<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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