As a coach, counselor, and facilitator I’m expected to listen. I even get paid to listen.
Yet in the last 24 hours I know I have:
- Interrupted (because I forgot the other person was actually talking).
- Finished someone else’s sentence (and got it wrong).
- Told my story (that their story brought to mind) before they finished theirs.
- And more…
It’s embarrassing. As soon as I think I’ve got this listening thing down, it scampers off.
Step One: Admit that my listening has become unmanageable and…well, you know the rest.
That is the good news. My depth of denial has diminished. So, I’m glad for the sad when I miss the message. Plus, I get less mad at myself and others about all this.
What? Did you say something?
Truly, I want to listen. Please write me about your listening journey if you dare. Email to [email protected] (my other email is in the shop!).