Page 42 - Kindness - No Forward
P. 42
Silver Rule #5
The Rule of Listening
We Must Listen as Much as We Talk
“A good listener is not only popular, but after a while he knows something”
-Wilson Mizner
The number one complaint for customers is poor listening. The number
one complaint in social communication is not being listened to.
Listening is the most important communication skill. In fact, it is number
one on everyone’s list.
When we empathize, we listen.
Hearing is Not Listening
Most of us are born with the tools necessary to hear. We hear things going
on around us constantly; the air conditioner, horns honking, birds chirping,
other people talking. It comes naturally and we don’t need much practice
to do it well.
Listening is another thing altogether.
Listening is a learned skill, a skill that we can improve with practice and
concentration. Good listeners are a refreshing addition to today’s
communication. Good listeners show one of the most important signs of
empathy.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps we can take to improve our
listening skills.
