It is so easy to talk. Open your mouth and magically words appear. Sometimes we don’t even have to turn on the brain. For many of us, the toughest part of the communication process is to simply be quiet and listen, actively focusing on, paying attention to, and truly hearing what the other person is trying to say.
For those of us who really like to talk, this can be a very difficult thing to do. Many times when I am involved in a conversation, I must remind myself when it is time to listen. Instead of being concerned about what I will say next, I tell myself to stop worrying about myself and be patient and concerned enough about the other person to listen to them with both ears.
A little trick I have learned to help me listen better is to pretend that I am a “dried up” sponge in the bottom of the kitchen sink. Each word spoken is absorbed into my being like a drop of water from the faucet soaks a sponge. This helps me to process the information I am hearing, so I can play it back to the person speaking, confirming I have heard them. You can imagine the harmony and good will that results.
May I encourage you to start listening with both ears as I am attempting to do? There are a number of great benefits that come from making a commitment like this. You will probably learn something you didn’t know, and your attentiveness will cause others to feel good about themselves. Listening minimizes miscommunication, thus saving you time, and even a headache or two. Of course the biggest benefit of listening is improved relationships!
If you really desire more harmony and good will in your life as a result of improved communications, I urge you to join me in my endeavor to listen more and speak less. And be sure that you are listening with both ears.
