We’re listening all wrong

We talk about the importance of listening to each other on the air, to avoid stepping on one another, repeating information or missing a good “out”. 

But the art of listening goes deeper, especially when talking to someone with whom you disagree – a teammate, a caller, or even your talent coach.

For more effective conversations, listen intentionally. Slow down. Ask for more information. Be curious. Acknowledge their point of view. You don’t have to agree but you will gain a deeper understanding of their perspective, rather than talking at each other. And the more you intentionally are open to knowing them, the more curious they will be to know you. (Hat tip: Psychologist Frank Anderson)

“Most of us don’t listen with the intent to understand; we listen with the intent to reply.” 

~Steven Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.