Are You Listening?
We’ve all heard that listening is the greatest compliment we can show to another person. Yet we are all constantly guilty of what Steven Covey called “autobiographical listening.” That’s listening with only half an ear, while in our heads we are busy preparing what to say next.
It is said that Franklin Delano Roosevelt, US President, so despised this, that he devised a test. When a petitioner asked how he was doing, he would say, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” Most of the time he got a noncommittal response, proving the other person was probably rehearsing what to say next. (Although, one person trumped him by saying, “I’m sure she had it coming to her.”)
In a world where our attention is constantly being demanded by electronic devices, it is an even greater compliment than ever before to pay attention to one another, to lift our faces out of our phones and be 100% present.
One way to practice the art of listening well is to do something called “Parrot Phrasing.” During conversations with family, co-workers, your boss, and friends, you occasionally say back to the person exactly what they said to you, switching only the pronouns. After parroting what they said, you can add a question or comment.
For example, if they say, “I’ve had a horrible run of luck at work lately.” You can say back, “You’ve had a horrible run of luck at work lately. What’s been happening?”
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.
Sincerely,
Melanie Bowers
Your Consultant For Life
P.S. I’ve learned that providing exceptional service makes me feel great. If you need real estate help, you can reach me at melaniebowers@gmail.com or by calling me at 801-910-7436.
