… even though we know that
Listening builds trust
Listening adds perspective
Listening expands your mind
Listening is a show of respect
Listening breaks down resistance
Listening creates buy-in and support
Listening provides you with feedback
Listening conveys that you are interested
Listening turns you into a well-informed person
Listening helps you understand, remember, interpret and evaluate
Listening expresses that you care about others’ opinions and concerns
But only when it’s real listening, to what is being said and to what is being left unsaid – only then. But only when it’s active listening, with the right kind of questions – only then.
My advise to you and myself: Listen, with your heart and head, while being fully aware and present, in the here and now – It’s a hard and important thing to do.