Thought Tweet #870 5 reasons to listen: (1) to respond, (2) to act, (3) to understand, (4) because it's your job, & (5) because you like people.
The Thinking Behind The Tweet
Most people listen poorly.
It's reciprocal: people don't listen to them so they return the disfavour.
Then there's this pent up ego demand to express thoughts rather than listen to them.
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If we don't relearn how to listen evolution is going to adapt our ears into oblivion.
[One drawback of civilization: people who don't listen no longer get eaten by predators.]
Reader comments (3)
Comments from the original blog platform, 2008–2021.
Robin Astley ·
"Listening is such a simple act. It requires us to be present, and that takes practice, but we don't have to do anything else. We don't have to advise, or coach, or sound wise. We just have to be willing to sit there and listen." Margaret J. Wheatley
rick baker ·
Excellent thoughts, Robin. It is interesting to observe just how difficult it can be to 'get present'. And, how difficult it can be to 'hold the tongue' and not illustrate what we know. So, for many, listening is a real challenge.
rick baker ·
"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Winston Churchill