Hi Team,
Happy August! It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through the summer, and hope you have all had an opportunity to enjoy some fun in the sun!
As we continually find ways to improve ourselves 1% better everyday, in my research, I came across this short 5-minute,12 second video of one of my favorite authors and speakers, Simon Sinek, in an interview discussing “The Art of Listening.” Click here for video.
It was rather thought-provoking to say the least. He points out the difference between hearing versus truly listening. Sinek goes on to discuss how listening is key to creating psychological safety, because when we listen, others feel heard and seen, and trust is formed. It is crucial to relationship building.
Confession: I will be the first to painfully admit, as a happy extrovert, my brain works fast, and I process thoughts outwardly. Often out of excitement or passion, at times I can talk a mile a minute. (Cue the infamous line from my Type-B ambiverted husband: “I can’t get a word in edgewise.”) I have been quite self-aware of this edge of mine over the years, becoming more mindful to focus deeply on what others are saying to me in the moment and the importance of their words. Doing this forces me to slow down and allows me to take the time to process the information. In the end, the result is an outcome of realizing I learn so much more from others when I demonstrate this art of listening, which requires self-discipline.
While there have been many moments of success, I am also painfully reminded that I have not mastered this skill just yet, evidenced when I inadvertently interrupt others. Hence, “2 steps forward, 1 step back.” I have learned to make it my goal everyday to “exercise” this edge, seeking opportunities both personally and professionally to stop, breathe and experiment by making a conscious choice not to speak at times, and rather lead with curiosity, asking myself, “What would happen if I spoke last in this meeting or in this conversation?” “What would I learn by listening more and speaking less?” “How would it make others feel?” “How do people feel when I choose to place myself and my needs first, interrupting, rather than deeply listening?” Like anything else, this is a skill, and there is an “art” to this, for sure. Breathe. 1% better every day. Baby steps.
If you struggle with this skill, you are in great company, and if you have mastered it, please share how. I would love to LISTEN your thoughts on this topic, as well as your thoughts on Sinek’s video. Please feel free to share in the comments below.
Wishing you all a Better We, Better Week! 😊
Lori Beth
I think this is one of the most POWERFUL Better We Better Week posts! What a way to build trust and understanding even in the face of extreme adversity! It really resonated when he said, listening is not about hearing the words spoken, it’s about the art of understanding the meaning behind the words and creating an environment where people “feel” heard. That truly is what it is all about! I LOVED THIS!
@Jeannine Del Pozzo Thank you so much! Simon Sinek is a wonderful speaker and unfearingly gets to the heart of matters openly and honestly. I am so happy to know his words resonated deeply for you. I 100% agree, its how we make people FEEL when we truly listen that is one of the crucial components of a great culture. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!