Practice Listening
WHAT:
Individuals often talk and talk and fail to really listen to or get to know each other. Many conversations are a series of superficial monologues.
SO WHAT:
An intentional commitment to active listening can lead to greater, deeper mutual understanding. Cultivating better listening and greater respect for others’ basic equality is an integral part of self-reform. To achieve holistic and systemic transformation, compassionate individuals must develop the skills necessary to form partnerships to maximize cooperation, which requires the ability to listen well. The desire to dominate undermines a sense of community throughout society. Practicing how to listen helps everyone lead with humility, without dominating others. We can revitalize communities by building strong, compassionate communities.
NOW WHAT:
Commit yourself to:
Really listen to others.
Understand who they are.
Understand where they are coming from.
Understand what is important to them.
Understand why it is important to them.
Understand when they are ready for change.
Then you can engage them in serious dialogue to find a way to approach change that suits them and you. Do this with each individual with whom you are engaged in transformative action. This is hard. It takes time – and – it is essential for achieving holistic and systemic transformation.
Resource: Platinum Communications, Warren Hoffman