Why can't we listen?

Did you know that being heard and listened to is what folks want most from us?

Sounds simple, right? Then why can't we do this. I have to literally tell myself to "be quiet" and let the others speak. Guess I'm afraid that I'll drop out of the conversation too much and they'll think I'm not listening!! Go figure!

We can practice active listening skills and reflect back and recap what we are hearing to the other people in our conversation. Give them lots of understanding.

I was trained to do this when I worked on a phone hotline years ago. It's good to have these skills because you don't have the benefit of body language or touch over the phone. You must convey it with your voice only.

Conversations should be a give and take. I feel most in my life talk about as much as I do and listen well. If they do not, then that tells me they do not value our time together and we move on.

So, are you a good listener?  What helped you? Did this surprise you? What could you do to improve at work or in your home life? 

 

Any suggestions and thoughts here on listening are welcome, chime in!!