Have we lost the ability to listen? To each other… To the Universe… To ourselves?
Stephen Covey was an author, educator, businessman and keynote speaker. His quote, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. The collective monologue is everyone talking and no one listening,” is the best explanation to what I have witnessed lately. Talking over each other doesn’t only happen on the television, in podcasts or meetings. I have even caught myself, answering myself before I finished my statement! Covey also taught what might be considered a novel concept today, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
Opportunity to grow can only occur to the level of unknowing. If you think you already know, then there is no space for adding dimension. One of the biggest problems we are facing now in the new landscape of changes taking place is our ability to listen. Many are so interested in making their point about what was and how well they knew the old ways that they are missing the point of change by not listening to what is required for success today.
Listening is a skill we are taught early in life, if we are lucky. However, being taught a skill and mastering the skill produce two very different outcomes. This lack of education or outright failure in successfully mastering a basic requirement such as listening, can be the missing link inhibiting our progress today.
Conversation and sharing ideas were once a major part of everyday business, school, church and family time. Listening with sincerity and an open mind is a challenge, it takes being interested in another possible solution to different point of view. We all get fresh ideas moving through our minds and want to share. Who knows when two new ideas can be melded together to create the next really big idea? However, that scenario can only happen if the two parts truly listen and understand where the ideas are coming from.
There are many digital options to listen to throughout the day, but there is no substitute for sharing and listening face to face with another.
Today information moves at lightning speed. The quick pace has in many ways trained us to pick up the general idea of conversation, book, recipe or prescription label and discount the fine print. But what if the fine print, voice inflections or overt gestures in everyday situations is the most informative place to gain true understanding? Will the importance of the information being shared be missed forever at a detriment, or will we be nudged to go back and dive in, listening to tips and other suggestions?
Remember Covey’s advice to actively listen. For now, be kind to yourself and others. Part of being kind is truly listening. You never know what you might hear!
Love to all,
Cindi
