Who Really Listens To YOU?

I grew up learning that the "keys" to communication are expressing, speaking and verbalizing language.  Courses in public speaking were among my favorite in school, and developing a comfort with speaking and writing helped me to be successful in many areas of life. 

When I did my coaching training, the focus turned to Listening.  I came to realize that while others often told me what a good listener I was, and I thought I was a good listener too - my listening had not been ideal.

Have you ever been listening to someone, and then found yourself thinking more about your own response to something they said, than actually continuing to listen to the person?

Were you silently focusing on your own thought or rewording how you wanted to say it, and wishing they'd hurry and stop talking, so you could share your thought?  Or maybe you even interrupted them?

Being silent implies listening, when in fact, attentive listening may not have been occurring at all.  

Busted.............me too:)

We were all taught that generally, Listening is passive.  I now know otherwise.

Success in life often requires,  speaking, writing and presentation skills to communicate effectively and to work with or lead others, but Listening is not a secondary or minor and passive activity.  Listening is equally important to effective communication.

Without Active Listening, no matter how well our words are presented, there is NO Communication.  

Our everyday interactions with loved ones and friends have long established patterns that are difficult to break.  I hear from clients and friends that their significant others , parents, siblings 'don't really Listen to them'.  Life distractions and years of half-hearted listening are the typical listening we get from others.

Even attempts at listening from business colleagues or well meaning friends result in an  empathetic form of listening.   Family, Friends and colleagues are great for empathy and venting sessions.  They cannot lose their personal relationship filters when listening.

Anyone can benefit from a little guidance, support and accountability.  Much as a trainer at the gym helps you achieve your fitness goals, so does a coach guide you and assist in figuring out next steps for your life and the development of life and career goals.

Most of my coaching is done on the phone, and attentive listening is guaranteed!

If you've ever considered working with a career or life coach, check out my website and send me an email.  Initial sessions are free.    www.BestYOUconsulting.com   Mary@BestYOUconsulting.com

I am having fun writing this blog and being active on social media!  
Reaching as many people as possible and positively impacting lives is my goal.  

Negativity, complaints, anger and violence abound in our world. Our children,  grandchildren and future generations will benefit from the actions we take today.  
My stand is for a happy, healthy and loving world............beginning with me:)

Just as without Listening, there is no meaning to the spoken word.........without Reading, there is no meaning to the written word.

If you are reading this line, I am communicating with YOU, and thank you for taking your valuable time to read my posts:) 

Some of you have sent me positive and insightful email messages and reactions to one or more of my posts.  Those comments are really appreciated!

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