Do  you consider yourself to be a good listener? Have you ever given thought about what makes a good listener and what your actions might actually convey to others?

One thing is true… we need to focus on listening to learn, not just to respond.

The art of listening… That’s the topic for this edition of the 2120 podcast.

Episode Talking Points

• Listen to learn, not to respond.
• Those closest to us (ie, our spouses) see us at our best, and at our worst - especially when it’s listening.
• Avoid the temptation to be a conversation stealer or being a “one-upper”.
• When we steal a conversation, it conveys the other person isn’t important.
• Be an active listener… listen with your ears AND your eyes.
• Listening is the most important aspect of communication. We learn that at a young age.
• Get feedback about your listening skill helps you become a better listener.
• Strive to be the person that makes the other person feel as if they’re the most important part of your day.
• If we convey that we’re too busy to listen, others will stop talking to you.
• Be careful about being distracted… your eyes and body language can be deceiving.
• When you fail to listen well, apologize and ask for forgiveness.
• Minimize distractions:  put your phone/tablet/device away…
• Sometimes the best conversations are rapid-fire of give and take…