Two Ears + One Mouth = Success!

“We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.”
― Zeno of Citium

Good Listeners Make Great People...

When you choose to be a good and a patient listener you choose to help yourself work through many of life's problems as well as looking at the world through the eyes of others. Attentive listening enriches your understanding and increases your ability to empathize. Listening also increases your contact with the outside world by helping you improve your communication skills while improving important life skills which you need every day in life.

While it almost seems silly to mention the importance of listening, and acknowledging what you are hearing, doing it well (especially when disagreements arise) takes sincere effort and a great deal of practice, not to mention overcoming the frustration that comes with not being a good listener. In fact, when you listen you will do better at school, work, and at home.

Additionally, being a good listener can also increase your friendship levels and popularity. When you choose to pay attention during conversations your friend(s) know that you really do care about him/her. Not listening is extremely rude; even if it is something you just don't care about or want to hear.

So the lesson here is to make the choice to care…make the choice to listen. Then, you can speak your mind with thoughtful words. Remember, try to stay on subject and never talk over people, especially if they have let you talk already.

Good communication is the key to great success. Start making the effort to hear what is being said today. But, never forget sometimes you need to hear more than the words that are being used, but that is another training, for another day.

Here are ten steps towards being a good listener:

    1.    Face the speaker and maintain eye contact.
    2.    Pay attention, but remain relaxed.
    3.    Always keep an open mind, their opinion matters too.
    4.    Listen to the speaker’s words and try to picture what they are saying. 
    5.    Do not interrupt and do not impose your opinions. 
    6.    Be sure to wait for the speaker to pause, and then ask clarifying questions.
    7.    Questions should be asked “only” to ensure understanding.
    8.    Try to feel what the speaker is feeling. Put yourself in their shoes.
    9.    Give the speaker regular feedback.
    10.  Pay close attention to what is not said; nonverbal cues. 

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!