Just Listen

Just Listen

One of the reasons we can find others difficult to work with is that we're not interested enough or don't care enough to listen to them even when they want to talk to us. Sometimes, we don't let colleagues get a sentence out of their mouths without adding a "but" or a word of caution. Soon, people stop talking to us - and stop volunteering ideas or their cooperation. Therefore, try this technique to curb any tendency to "cut down" ideas when they are presented. Once a week, spend a whole day refraining from issuing one suggestion, one caution, or one addition to what any colleague has to say. Wherever you are, just listen and observe. If you disagree with something someone says, don't say anything. If you're pressed for a comment, say, "I'd like to give it some thought." You will be amazed at the information you will absorb in one day that you would never even have heard otherwise.