To be listened to is, generally speaking, a nearly unique experience for most people. It is enormously stimulating. It is small wonder that people who have been demanding all their lives to be heard so often fall speechless when confronted with one who gravely agrees to lend an ear. — Robert C. Murphy When we lend an ear, and do so sincerely, something comes over the … [Read more...]
Decide on Reason, Not Emotion
Many United States citizens are concerned about the anger, vitriol, and deep distrust and dislike that members of our political parties are showing towards each other. The level of divisive rhetoric has risen to historic proportions. A look at the facts of what is happening and why are in order so that we can think critically about the issues and make decisions in November … [Read more...]
True Communication Requires your Presence
The most important skill needed in building and keeping a loving relationship is communication. When we begin relationships, we attend to the other person because we want to get to know them. We listen to their likes and dislikes, history, family dynamics, dreams and fears. We spend hours in conversation, discovering each other. No fact too small, no story too long. The … [Read more...]
The Heart of Listening
Imagine a world where every world leader, parent, teacher, manager, and friend has become an effective listener. What would a world populated with truly effective listeners be like? How would it be different? In this kind of world, conversations would not lead to arguments, discussions would not escalate into altercations, and everyone would thoroughly listen to what a speaker … [Read more...]
Grammy’s Story
Years ago, as part of my Master’s course work, a piece I wrote for a publishing class ended up being the anchor point of my work on listening. An excerpt follows: Every Saturday during my adolescence I would ride the trolley to Grandmother’s six-story apartment house to visit. Together Grammy and I would make breaded chicken wings, entertain her friends living in the … [Read more...]
