There’s a hidden half
to communication which is
too easily forgotten: listening.
For 20 years, I’ve been teaching
a workshop on The Art of Listening,
and I’m continually astounded by the response.
Eyes register a profound level
of recognition as if people just
saw the moon
through a telescope for the first time.
Such is the power of hearing in a new way.
Last week, I led 12 presidents from WPO
(Women Presidents Organization)
through The Art of Listening workshop
following a session on how to
Rock The Room®.
Yes, we need to learn to express our ideas;
and yes we need to hear what others share.
This is true for leaders, sales, service, consulting
and every role we play in work and life.
One component of the workshop:
a paired exercise with a
carefully calibrated series of questions.
Participants who have known one another
for years suddenly understand each other
in a new way.
The key:
- The quality of the question
- Listening without interrupting or uttering a single word
In a world of business and busy-ness,
high-level listeners are rare.
There is nothing quite so powerful
as giving someone your full attention.
True listening is an act of strength.
Risk Forward & Rock On,
