Hearing is with your ears but listening is with the mind. Make a special effort to listen hard. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.

         A good listener is not only popular but learns much.

         You cannot listen if you are talking and if you are talking you are not learning.

         Good leaders know how to ask simple questions, and how to listen.

         Make a special effort. It could change your life.

A handful of tips to improve your listening skills

* Make an effort

         Prepare to listen – remove interruptions, then concentrate.

         Look at the speaker. Think about what they are telling you – everyone has a story to tell.

* Don’t interrupt

         Hear the speaker out first. Wait until they stop speaking before you ask a question.

* Encourage the speaker

         Make encouraging signs like smiling, nodding, and make encouraging noises like; ..‘ hmm’ or ‘I see’.

* Watch the speaker’s body language

         A good observer can learn much from watching the speaker and their body actions – do they seem nervous, are they sweating?

* Empathise

         The speaker may have some good ideas well worth considering. If so say so. “I like what you are saying, perhaps we should try it”.

         Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Listening to people is a leaders most important role.”