The Gift of Listening

“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.”

~ Ralph G. Nichols

Do you know that listening is the BEST gift to give?

It is a generous act of love and kindness.

It is the MOST important part of communication.

Have you ever experienced talking with someone who talks over you or speaks before you’ve finished? I have! I feel like the other person doesn’t care about me or what I’m saying.

How does it make YOU feel?

On the other hand, I have also experienced when someone genuinely listens.

I feel heard, seen, & acknowledged.

What about you? Have you experienced the joy of active listening?

We all “know” what listening is BUT do we actually practice “active” listening?

When you actively listen to someone you give them your time and attention. They in turn are blessed with feeling seen, heard & acknowledged.

"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." ~ Stephen R. Covey

You can develop your gift of listening by practicing ‘active listening’.

Active Listening is where you demonstrate a conscious effort to hear the words AND the complete message being communicated.

It’s when you focus on the message being conveyed, not what you “think” the person wants to say or what your response is going to be.

In active listening, it is important to:

Be Fully Present

Provide accurate feedback

Be OK with silence

Respond More, React Less

When we actively listen, we improve our productivity, our ability to influence as well as avoid misunderstanding. Active listening also enables us to connect with others thus improving the quality of our relationships.

Right NOW, commit to develop your active listening skills. You will positively impact the people in your world…your family, friends, clients, business associates…by promoting a feeling of value and trust.

It IS the BEST Gift to Give!