As an administrator, I have become aware of a decline in the quality of my listening. According to Kate Murphy in You’re Not Listening, listening well is becoming a struggle for many of us. Due to social media, devices, focus on ourselves, and insecurity, truly listening has taken a cultural hit.
I love the example Murphy gives of the lawyer who she is speaking to on the phone while he drives home. He tells her that he is “a better listener than most,” and then asks her to hold while he takes another call. We gave skewed perceptions of our ability to listen.
What makes a good listener? It’s not going through the motions of nodding, making eye contact, and waiting to speak—although those actions are a good start—it is being curious. We would do well to keep an open mind and summon true curiosity while we listen. We cannot fake that.
I love the example Murphy gives of the lawyer who she is speaking to on the phone while he drives home. He tells her that he is “a better listener than most,” and then asks her to hold while he takes another call. We gave skewed perceptions of our ability to listen.
What makes a good listener? It’s not going through the motions of nodding, making eye contact, and waiting to speak—although those actions are a good start—it is being curious. We would do well to keep an open mind and summon true curiosity while we listen. We cannot fake that.