"That was well-listened." Ever heard someone say that? Me neither. I have heard: "That was well-spoken." "That was well-written." "That was well-articulated." We put an emphasis on what goes out - not what goes in - and in a collaborative world, that just might be an oversight.You can easily find training to improve the presentation of your thoughts to others, but it's rare - if not impossible - to find training in receiving others' thoughts. Why is that? Perhaps because there are rewards and recognition for writing and speaking well. You can get a Marconi for radio broadcasting. You can get a Pulitzer for journalism. Toastmasters will celebrate your excellent speech. It's a very good thing to be clear in your communication to others. It's also a very good thing to be able to unwrap and explore the gift of others' thoughts. This is an age of unprecedented partnership and teamwork. Where 1 + 1 can equal 3, or 9, or 27. Listening is the key to working well with others. Listening makes you attractive; you are always welcome when you listen well. At the encouragement of my good friend, Mike Sansone, I will most likely be writing a lot more on this subject. |