Just open your ears and Listen
Updated: Mar 16, 2024
Wise words from my dad: 'We were given two ears and one mouth, so we listen twice as much as we talk.' He lives by this philosophy, and it made me reflect on the true value of our words.
To be a person whose words are of great value, we must first understand what is valuable and to whom. Perception is key. It starts with a listening sandwich:
Listen - Understand the person in front of you. Who are they? What's their experience? What's their world view? What are their needs?
Talk - Ask for clarification, reflect on what you understood, and share your opinion. Offer value based on understanding.
Listen - Wait for a response and truly listen before talking again.
Communication is about providing information people need. To ensure it's of value, we must ask, listen, talk, and be open to feedback.
Let's strive to be the kind of communicators whose words are truly valued!
Your post reminded me of a moment a few years back when I was traveling through the mountains of Colorado. I was on a hike with a friend, and we stopped at a small clearing just as the wind picked up. Instead of talking, we both fell silent and let the sounds of rustling pine needles, distant waterfalls, and the occasional call of a hawk fill our ears. It was startling how much I learned about the landscape simply by listening—how the water’s flow changed when a rock shifted, how the birds’ songs signaled the time of day. That experience taught me that the world often speaks louder than words, and we just have to be present enough to hear…