God it's been more than a month
since I last posted on this blog. Time really flies.
So much has
happened since then. Some bad and most of it good.
In a recent trip
to London, I realised how much a particular communication skill is important.
It is often overlooked as we live in a society that does encourage
talkativeness and noise. You may have guessed which skill I am talking about...
Yes it's listening skills.
I remember growing
up people telling my mom how quiet I was and how little I talked. They related
that to shyness. I don't know what it was really - since later on I studied
communication and taught it as well and kept on being the same. But when I was
little, I knew that by talking I didn't learn much but by listening I was absorbing
all what I was hearing, observing and even feeling.
In this recent
trip to London, I realised that people are so absorbed by themselves and their
lives that they truly don't have sufficient space in their heads to hear about
other people's problems, stories etc. I was hanging out with this person who
for the entire time we spent together led every point of the conversation to
talking about her, her life and problems. I found it at the beginning difficult
to carry on any sort of discussion with her. But as the problem became bigger
to my eyes, I decided not to place any more word (as it was a waste of my
energy) and kept you nodding or saying 'mmm'. The less I spoke the more open
the person has become.
Listening works
perfectly in the professional world as well. Dealing with a confrontational
client, I find it more convenient not to say any word but just listen. As I
listen I take note of what's said and at the same time, I give the opportunity
for the other party to expression him/herself and let it out.
Many proverbs and
citations encourage thinking before speaking. It's undoubtedly an invaluable
advice. So many times we end up saying something we regret afterwards or let
something that shouldn't be said slip away.
Genuine listening
is always followed by thorough thinking. And let's not forget that listening is the foundation for any good communication.
What about you?
Are you good at listening?
Comments
Post a Comment