“Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand. They listen with the intent to reply.”
Stephen R. Covey
You are walking down a corridor, on your way to a meeting or to have a conversation. Your mind is running on a loop through your talking points, your arguments, your agenda.
Still in your head, you grab the door handle and enter – ready for your showdown.
How often do we enter a conversation or a meeting with the sole focus of getting our point across?
We ignore the other participant/s altogether. We pretend to listen or think we are listening. But really, we are just thinking about our story and how to deliver knock-out come-backs.
Here’s the thing:
Communication is a two-way street. It’s a dialogue.
Yet we spend the majority of any conversation in our heads. In our thoughts. On our points. Shut down to any and all ideas from others. Shut down to any legitimate concerns.
Communication is not just about delivering a clear message.
It’s about listening – really listening with the intent to understand. It’s about collaboration – two (or more) heads are better than one. It’s about keeping on open mind and embracing curiosity. It’s about respect, caring, and kindness between one another.
Becoming a better communicator is for everyone – whether you are a CEO, manager, or employee. Becoming a better listener benefits everyone.
Next time you are heading to the meeting or to have a conversation – before your hand reaches for the door handle – pause. Take a breath. Clear your mind. Enter.
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
Stephen R. Covey
