Reflection - 11 Steps to Be a Good Listener

Source: Huffington Post

In the days since I wrote about 11 Steps to Be a Good Listener I've noticed a few changes in my listening habits, thankfully all for the better. I'm on Cape Cod this week with my mom, dad, sister, and her family. Family time usually means a few long, personal, and occasionally difficult conversations. You too? This has been a great opportunity/challenge to work on listening skills. Couldn't have planned this better!

Reflecting on conversations of these past few days, I've been more patient, made the effort to be present, and through all this found a greater appreciation for listening. Making the effort to be more patient made me embarrassingly aware of my habit of interrupting people when I think I know what they're going to say or (I think) I have something important to contribute. Recognizing this and holding myself back (most of the time) has lead me to focus more intently on the conversation and really listen to everything that's said.

Take the time to be present in your conversations, make an effort to appreciate everything a person is saying, and you'll be amazed at how it changes the conversation and your relationship with that person!