being a good listener

On Becoming a Better Listener

On Becoming a Better Listener

“Become a better listener.”

It was one of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of this year, but it’s one I think I’ll have a hard time checking off and calling “done.” Because, when it comes to listening well, there isn’t a point of arrival or mastery; instead, I’m learning it’s something we can always be working on and trying to improve.

  • Being more intentional with our words and not jumping in too quickly.

  • Giving our full attention to the person speaking instead of letting our mind wander.

  • Not assuming that every point of disagreement will (or should) turn into an argument.

Letter From the Editor: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Letter From the Editor: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Do you hear what I hear?

It’s true in any good conversation, whether we’re gathered around the dinner table or the table in the conference room; sitting in the living room for book club or a committee meeting: you talk and then you listen. You take turns. It seems simple enough, right?

But so often, we find ourselves focused on what we’re going to say next. We fixate on sharing our own ideas and opinions, offering the *best* solution, and planning what we’re going to say and how to say it, like we’re being interviewed.