May 29, 2018

Listen and Observe

Practice your listening and observation skills by the following baby steps suggested by Sean Covey at the end of Habit 5:

  1. See how long you can keep eye contact with someone while they are talking to you.
  2. Go to the mall, find a seat, and watch people communicate with each other. Observe what their body language is saying.
  3. In your interactions today, try mirroring one person and mimicking another, just for fun. Compare the results.
  4. Ask yourself … Which of the five poor listening styles do I have the biggest problem with – spacing out, pretend listening, selective listening, word listening or self-centered listening (judging, advising, probing)?” Now, try to go one day without doing it.
  5. Some time this week, ask your mom or dad, “How’s it going?” Open your heart and practice genuine listening. You’ll be surprised by what you learn.
  6. If you’re a talker, take a break and spend your day listening. Only talk when you must.
  7. The next time you find yourself wanting to bury your feelings deep inside you, don’t do it. Instead, express them in a responsible way.

Think of a situation where your constructive feedback would really help another person. Share It with them when the time is right.