An old ad campaign used to ask, “Can you hear me now?” I wonder how many times in our daily interactions with people do we really hear what people are saying. We live very distracted lives between electronic devices with games and social media on them, to billboards that flash a new message every few seconds to TVs everywhere – even on the pumps at the gas station! It’s a wonder that anyone ever gets heard with so much going on around us.
Serving leaders, in particular, need to be concerned with how they listen to others. Listening is how we show dignity to others and give voice to their innermost thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
Too often, though, in conversations with others, we fail to truly listen because we are so preoccupied with “As soon as they shut up, this is what I am going to say.” And what if they suddenly look at you and ask, “What did I just say?”
I’ve been married for 24 years… I have heard that a lot!
To improve listening skills, be present with the person who is talking. Focus in on them and what they are saying. Ask questions for clarification or to fill in the blanks in the conversation. Restate their thoughts by saying, “If I understand correctly, you are saying that…” In doing so, you may hear some really great ideas or be able to help the person take what they have in mind in a new direction.
Serving leaders are good listeners!
Listening is one of the 14 qualities of serving leaders that I share in my program Building Leaders Through Service®. I have done it as a 30 – 60 minute keynote up to a three hour training session with hands-on service projects included. Call me at 770-552-6592 or email me at DaveKelly@GonzoSpeaks.com to discuss bringing this fun and interactive program to your campus. Booking me will not break the bank – check out my Affordable Pricing Model for a quote! Click on the calendar to find a date for your school!