Stop, Look, Listen

Listen up, I've got something important to tell you. Hey, I'm talking to you. Yes, you! OK, are you listening now? Wait a minute, you are still not paying attention, are you? I want you to stop what you are doing because I'm only going to say this once. “Listening is a lost art today.”

What do you mean you didn't get it the first time? Yes, I will say it again, but this time you really need to hear what I say. Ready? Are you sure this time? All right here goes. “Listening is a lost art today.”

The biggest problem with communication, regardless of whether the breakdown occurs at home, in the workplace or somewhere in between, is that people have lost their ability to listen to others. That is why it is so important for us to recondition ourselves to listen, listen and then listen some more.

Being a good listener requires that we take the time to listen to what people say and what people mean when they say it. When you begin to really listen to what others are saying, you will be in a much better position to respond to them -- and that's so very important.

Communication can never be a one way street. Effective communication is always a give and take between the parties involved, where the interaction flows back and forth - and forth and back. Regardless of whether the communication is an informal exchange of information or a private expression of feelings, it is imperative that all parties participate.

In order for us to effectively interact with others, we not only need to get good at talking, we also need to improve our listening skills as well. Hey, anyone can talk a good game, but great communicators are the winners who have mastered the fine art of listening and observing. The better you become at listening to what your coworkers, friends and family have to say to you, the better your relationships with these people will become as well.

If you are having a difficult time understanding or communicating with someone else, maybe, just maybe it is time for you to STOP talking so much. After all, shouldn't you let the other person share in the conversation too?

You should also get in the habit of looking people in the eyes when you talk to them and looking them in the eyes when you listen as well. People trust a person who looks them in the eyes.
And finally, learn to LISTEN, LISTEN and LISTEN some more. You will be astonished at how much you can learn from other people and how much you can learn about other people when you have your mouth closed every once in a while.

STOP, LOOK and then LISTEN. Now you're talking!

The Bottom Line: You’ll become a great communicator the moment you become a great listener.