21 Feb Listening Generously
A number of years ago my coach used the phrase “Listening Generously”, and I have used it many times since to emphasise the need for us all, both in our personal and business relationships, to hear what others are saying and meaning without pre-empting a response or wanting to cut it down before it has landed.
We have all been in the situation where someone is speaking, but the content is “falling on deaf ears” – i.e. others, me, you, are actually waiting to jump in and make our own verbal contribution before they have finished, or before we have digested what there are actually saying or meaning. This can land us in a whole world or pain!… “you are not listening to me!”
What we need to do is focus on the content of what is being said, and rather than jump in or assume we understand, we need to clarify and if needed re-play back our understanding of what was said. This can avert a potential misunderstanding and help move things forward within the relationship or meeting. Try it… Listen Generously.