Where's My GPS: Listen Up

The power of active listening can go an extremely long way. Lately in an effort to be a more effective person and to build quality relationships with the women in my life I have started to read What Women Want Men to Know by Barbara DeAngelis. In her book the author describes the differences between men and women which is for an entire different posting, however what I did learn was the real power of active listening and how it can truly help in every area of your life.

First rule of listening is to focus on the words not what you’re going to say. We have all heard this before well let me tell you why you should not focus on a response. You may not have to respond at all is why sometimes listening means providing cues that show you’re listening like Oh No, tell me more, that’s unfortunate. These are referred to as verbal head nods. They are designed to let people know you are listening. Here is the golden nugget that sometimes is all that is needed. In the book I referenced earlier this generalization was made when talking to women. It basically states that most women want to heard and not have someone fix there issues. This does have some merit to it now on the flip side of that.

I think that from a male perspective that is a huge issue we have as listeners we are always looking for ways to fix things or resolve problems. This is our nature however it is not what is always needed in the realm of communication we have to learn when we should be listening to resolve and when we should be listening to hear what the other party has to say. This golden nugget is the major key to effective communication.

I will tell you from my personal experience with this in my life it becomes incredible different when you open your ears to hear what the other party has to say. You are able to reach an effective and deeper level in your relationships. I will tell that it is worth a week of your life to focus on listening more you might be surprised what you hear.

Until next post goodbye and good luck.

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