I ran across this list somewhere which may be helpful to consider, especially in this over the top busy cultural, to determine if we are really listening.
- When I’m thinking about an answer while others are talking, I’m not listening.
- When I give unsolicited advice, I’m not listening.
- When I suggest they shouldn’t feel the way they do, I’m not listening.
- When I apply a quick fix, I’m not listening.
- When I fail to acknowledge their feelings, I’m not listening.
- When I fail to maintain eye contact, I’m not listening.
- When I don’t ask follow-up questions, I’m not listening.
- When I top their story with a bigger, better story of my own, I’m not listening.
- When they share a difficult experience and I counter with one of my own, I’m not listening.
Really, all I have to do is listen. I don’t have to talk, just listen