One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” – Bryant H. McGill
We tend to think of listening as a basic sense, something we don’t need help in developing. However, the majority of people today were never taught proper listening skills, failing to identify when it’s time to speak and when it’s time to respectfully listen.
“I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” – Ernest Hemingway
Through listening skills, we’re able to learn new information, network with individuals successfully, and find some time to relax while someone else carries the vocal torch. It’s one of the most desirable qualities in an employee today, someone who can effectively and efficiently listen to everything, digesting the information and creating something new with it.
Listening skills will provide you with:
- New Perspectives: Sometimes, the answers are right at our fingertips, if we only know how to slow down and listen for them. Listening skills enable you to learn and pickup on new perspectives, ones you didn’t even know existed.
- Invaluable Information: This one goes without saying. When you take the time to listen to everyone and everything, you miss nothing. Critical information exchanges happen all the time, and if you’re keenly trained in the art of listening, you’re not going to miss it this time.
- Social Respect: People love to be listened to. If you want to be an effective networker and impressive to your colleagues and bosses, simply listen when they talk. Nothing is more off-putting than dominating them while they’re talking.
