Quick to Listen. Slow to Speak.

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” St. James 1:19

This ancient advice from wisdom literature is just as relevant and necessary now as it was when it was uttered. Most of us struggle with the first part…listening. It is arguably the most important part. When we listen to those trying to communicate with us, they feel valued, heard, and understood. In return, we earn the right to be heard, we gain influence in the process and ensure that when we speak, we speak from a place of understanding.

The Maxwell Leadership site features an insightful blog post titled The Lost Art of Listening. It shares some tips to improve listening and more. Find it here: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/blog/the-lost-art-of-listening/.

The main tips from the article are as follows:

-Look at the Speaker.

-Don’t Interrupt.

-Focus on Understanding.

-Determine the Need at the Moment.

-Check your Emotions.

-Suspend Your Judgement.

-Sum up at Major Intervals.

This week, take every conversation as an opportunity to listen more than you speak. Be mindful that you don’t cut people off as they are trying to express themselves; know that we are all guilty of this. (Virtual meetings also make this hard). Remember, you make people feel valued when you listen carefully to what they are saying and ask clarifying questions. You also earn the right to be heard.

Listen well and have an amazing week. You got this!