“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” ~Bryant H. McGill
Have you ever had a discussion with someone, only to find that later—either when you replayed it in your mind, or bumped into them and revisited the conversation—that it became clear the other person (OP) hadn’t really been listening?
Examples:
- Not remembering you had shared you had three children (OP never asked their genders, names or ages.)
- Not knowing why you’re taking two weeks off—for surgery—and being wished a “great vacation” by an OP you told your “vacation” was health related. (OP didn’t ask if it was serious.)
- Being on date and the OP doesn’t ask any questions when you tell them of your difficulty with your boss.
Here’s the thing: In order to really listen to someone, we need to give our full, undivided attention (something most of us don’t do, being such busy people); when we do, connection is easy, natural and authentic.
When it comes to connecting with another person in conversation, remember to ask a couple of questions every so often.
It shows you’re listening, even if you don’t care.
And you don’t have to care deeply to connect authentically.
But you do need to listen if you’re going to lead, learn or love.
