May 24, 2010

 

Listen!

As a coach I spend a lot of time listening.  But lately I’ve noticed that I’m not as good a listener as I’d like to be.  Like most everyone I spend way too much time in my own head, waiting my turn to talk, eager to share my “wisdom” and blah, blah, blah.

Today, I’m recommitting myself to the powerful kind of listening that opens up space for others to tap their own wisdom.  Today, I’m going to spend time listening to the birds sing as I walk my dogs.  Today, I’m going to listen and really be present when my son or husband tells me about something that happened in their day.  Today I'm going to listen to my own inner voice of wisdom.

The world it seems has gone off its rocker lately.  We are so tied in to artificial sound (cell phones, recording devices, MP3s, TVs, radios), and the speed of "instant" everything that we’ve forgotten how to be present to the sound of another human or non-human sound or voice.  I think a week devoted to listening might have a powerfully curative effect.  So this week, I invite you to listen too.  Tune up your listening skills.  Focus on what the other person is saying and not saying.  Listen for the words and the intent.  Listen to another’s pain without advising, shoulding, cheering up, or any other attempt at "helpfulness."

Listen to your prospective client tell you what they really want or need.  Listen to the complaint from your customer and see it for the gift that it is.  Listen with your heart, your eyes, your mind, and then your ears.

It’s more difficult than it seems.  Listening is not simply waiting your turn to talk.  Listening is not looking for a quick fix or an “answer” to slap on a situation so everyone can hurry up and move on.  Listening is powerful.  Listening is beyond powerful.  Listening is transformative.

Listen to the sound of your own heartbeat.  Listen to the wind as it sings in the trees. Shhh…listen and let life unfold.

Quote of the Week

“Deep listening is miraculous for both listener and speaker.  When someone receives us with open-hearted, non-judging, intensely interested listening, our spirits expand.”

~~Sue Patton Theole

 

Living a Five Star Life

 

 

"Be who you are...do what you can do...choose your greatness over your fear!"
Betty Mahalik, Professional Certified Coach Dynamic Solutions Coaching & Training bettym@dynamic-coaching.com www.dynamic-coaching.com	Dynamic Solutions 5240 Mustang St. Las Vegas, NV 89130 tel: 702 658-4425 fax: 702 658-5802 mobile: 702 443-0175
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