Tip for the Week: Shut Up and Listen

Every Sunday I will post a quote, thought, or tip to ease you into Monday and carry you throughout the week.

Being a good listener is completely underrated. Everyone is so focused on getting their 2 cents in to make sure they sound intelligent or to make sure their opinion is heard. When is the last time you had a real conversation with someone? One where you were speaking and the other person was looking you in the eye and actively listening?  Been a while hasn't it? Don't you wish that when you spoke, you were heard? 

Well in the spirit of a fresh start to the week, let's make a concerted effort to work on genuinely listening to our friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else we encounter throughout our busy days. Look them in the eye, nod, and show them that you are listening.  Ask clarifying questions. Be interested in what they are saying. This will make you appear not only intellectual but also genuinely caring and engaged and in turn, the other person will feel special.

Let's start using BOTH of our ears and listen! And hope that person pays it forward and so on. Then we'll have a world with fewer disagreements and more understanding.

Here's to a week of truly connecting!