Some individuals carry a lot knowledge, I make it some extent to pay attention each time they communicate or write. Rodger Dean Duncan is one in every of them. It’s no shock he has achieved phenomenal success as a world bestselling writer, former senior Fortune 100 enterprise govt, and member of two prior White Home administrations. When you’ve ever puzzled how he features such perception, this visitor put up — From Curiosity to Connection: The Artwork of Asking and Listening — reveals his secret.
It’s necessary to notice that I neither accepted nor acquired any compensation for publishing this weblog put up. My sole goal for publishing this piece is to share a precious useful resource with you.
–– Frank Sonnenberg
From Curiosity to Connection: The Artwork of Asking and Listening
As a younger boy, I used to be inquisitive about most all the things round me. I peppered the adults in my life with a barrage of questions: Why received’t fish chunk on useless minnows? How do you sharpen a noticed? Why are cucumber seeds planted in mounds? What makes thunder and lightning? Is anybody older than God?
My early lecturers, particularly my grandfather, at all times had a affected person reply — liberally seasoned with a heavy dose of frequent sense and typically a sprinkle of humor.
I carried that inquisitive nature by means of my faculty days and into my maturity. It served me nicely as a younger journalist once I interviewed fascinating individuals like Lyndon Johnson, comic Jack Benny, Baroness Maria von Trapp, cardiac surgical procedure pioneer Michael DeBakey, historian Arnold Toynbee, pollster George Gallup, luxurious retailer Stanley Marcus, anthropologist Margaret Mead, and tremendous investor Warren Buffett. I traded jokes with artist/illustrator Norman Rockwell and mentioned house carpentry with film idol Robert Redford.
In fact, I’ve additionally talked with hundreds of not-so-famous individuals. They’ve all had tales to inform and opinions to specific. I’ve realized one thing each time.
Sure, I’ve realized to ask good questions. However extra importantly, I’ve realized to pay attention. Actually pay attention.
Whether or not we’re interviewing a well-known individual or chatting on the sidewalk with a neighbor, targeted listening is among the many most beneficiant presents we can provide to different individuals — and to ourselves.
Right here’s what targeted listening does:
Builds stronger relationships. Reveals respect and care, deepening private {and professional} relationships.
Enhances understanding. Helps you totally grasp different individuals’s views, decreasing misunderstandings.
Improves drawback–fixing. Gathering all info results in higher, extra knowledgeable selections.
Boosts empathy. Really listening to somebody’s ideas and emotions fosters empathy and compassion.
Encourages open communication. Folks really feel secure and valued, making them extra prepared to share actually.
Reduces conflicts. Helps forestall misinterpretations that may result in arguments.
Builds belief. Demonstrates reliability and integrity.
Deepens studying. Absorbing info attentively improves information and expertise.
Will increase endurance. Listening encourages you to decelerate and have interaction.
Strengthens reminiscence. Helps you keep particulars and recall info higher.
Boosts creativity. Publicity to various viewpoints sparks new concepts and innovation.
Cultivates humility. Recognizing others’ insights reminds you there’s at all times extra to be taught.
Simply earlier than he died, my longtime good friend Stephen Covey (writer of 7 Habits of Extremely Efficient Folks — broadly thought to be probably the most influential private improvement e book of the 20th century) was collaborating together with his daughter on a e book titled Dwell Life in Crescendo: Your Most Necessary Work Is At all times Forward of You.
I’ve taken that sentiment severely. I may have comfortably “retired” a long time in the past. However I discover nice satisfaction in interacting with good individuals. And listening.
In the present day, I write a Forbes column that reaches thousands and thousands of readers. Most of my columns are based mostly on my conversations with so-called “thought leaders.” They’ve earned that appellation as a result of their views are taken to be authoritative and influential. They suppose huge they usually say issues price listening to. (I’ve interviewed Frank Sonnenberg a number of instances.)
And in honor of Stephen Covey’s encouragement to “reside life in crescendo,” on my 81st birthday I launched my LeaderSHOP podcast. The conversations you’ll hear on my podcast are with a number of the smartest individuals round. I recognize their generosity in sharing their time in addition to their opinions. Test it out. I consider you’ll agree it makes for good listening and good studying.
With no good query, a great reply has no place to go. So, ask good questions. Then, as Frank Sonnenberg suggests, pay attention along with your mouth closed.
Dr. Rodger Dean Duncan is the bestselling writer of CHANGE-friendly LEADERSHIP and host of the LeaderSHOP podcast. Click on right here for a free copy of his e book.
Try Frank’s newest e book, Values to Dwell By: Know What Issues Most and Let It Be Your Information
Are You a Good Listener?
Please depart a remark and inform us what you suppose or share it with somebody who can profit from the info.
Extra Studying:
No matter Circumstances, What We Turn into Is a Selection
Concepts to Rework You from Good to Higher to Finest
Life Classes: Turn into The Finest Model Of Your self
In a World of Dangerous Conduct, a Name for Private Accountability
Frank Sonnenberg On Issues That Matter
You Are What You Eat … And What You Learn
Want a Decide-Me-Up? Attempt Values to Dwell By
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