Listening for Everything
Who comes to mind when you think about a really good listener in your life?
This blog is dedicated to those of us who want to work to become this person, and we know that we are far from it.
I thought about calling this "listening for narcissists" but then I didn't want to:
a. admit to being a narcissist
b. discourage thoughtful and compassionate and empathetic people that might think that this was written for them.
c. Miss the opportunity to reach as many humans as possible
I realized that listening skills were going to help EVERYONE with EVERYTHING!
Try this out:
Think for a moment about something ANYTHING (death, love, parenthood, leadership, traffic, taxes, exercise, siblings.....seriously think of something.....) now, think for a moment about how an improvement in listening could improve the outcome of this thing......if you are arguing or struggling to make this connection, perhaps you are not listening.
Early in my career as a buyer, I was presenting at a product approval meeting in front of 100 of my colleagues and leaders. My CEO challenged my ideas and strategies, and each time, I was quick with an answer. After a couple of back-and-forth challenge/solve volleys, this CEO interrupted me with, "Tres, L.I.S.T.E.N., I just want you to listen" I finally got it.
I hope that you don't need to experience this kind of demoralizingly impactful feedback, but I hope that you find your way here (and back here) if you are willing to embark on this journey with me.
I am eager to bring this topic via interactive public speaking to a group near you. I haven't yet met a group, team, community, or partnership that hasn't benefitted from improved listening skills, and I am ready to do this work with you.
With a promise to bring energy, enthusiasm, research, and my own stories as a living witness to this work and the beautifully rewarding benefits of improving,
Tres Jiménez
Facilitator, Coach, Public Speaker
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