One of the most essential lessons anyone can learn is that it
almost always far more important to effectively listen than it is to
hear one's own voice. Only when we listen do we have the ability to
learn and become better and more effective, as well as to truly
communicate with others. Because of my affinity for using mnemonics,
I've created these six steps in accordance with the first letter in the
word, "listen," in this way: 1. L stands for learn: 2. I is for
initiate; 3. S means to sort our the "background noise;" 4. T requires
taking personal responsibility; 5. Think E for excellence and expertise;
and 6. A meaningful life requires the N as in needs oriented. It's important to realize that these basic steps, or keys, apply to our personal lives, as well as the way we relate to others in the business world, regardless of occupation, etc.
1. Life should require us to strive to become better each and every day. The only way to become better is to commit to learning on a regular basis. When we stop learning, we begin to stagnate, because life is always evolving, and no matter how much you either think you know or even knew, there is always the need to learn more.
2. Meaningful life is about initiating changes and creating more and better things. What it means to be an initiator is to have the will and readiness to speak one's mind in an open and fair matter, and to be unwilling to just wait for things to develop on their own or by others, but rather becoming the actual vehicle for that change and action.
3. Much of what we hear every day is the equivalent of background noise, because either it is opinion of unknowledgable individuals, or empty chatter that adds little to the conversation. Those capable of sorting out this background noise are far better able to focus on both their needs and what they wish to achieve.
4. We should listen to make ourselves better and assume personal responsibility for our actions(or lack of). Becoming a significant human being requires assuming personal responsibility.
5. When we listen more, and speak less, we put ourselves in a far better position to achieve meaningfully. Personal greatness must always relate to devotion to excellence and expertise. Shouldn't each of us strive to become the best that we can be?
6. Don't we need to focus on needs? When we listen with the intent of becoming more empathetic and better people, we listen in order to become primarily needs oriented. We become better people and contribute more to our own well being, as well as society, we learn from our listening, as opposed to the masses who often hear without really listening.
Don't just talk and hear, but make your conversations enhance communication. When we follow these six basic keys, we don't only hear, but we effectively listen.
1. Life should require us to strive to become better each and every day. The only way to become better is to commit to learning on a regular basis. When we stop learning, we begin to stagnate, because life is always evolving, and no matter how much you either think you know or even knew, there is always the need to learn more.
2. Meaningful life is about initiating changes and creating more and better things. What it means to be an initiator is to have the will and readiness to speak one's mind in an open and fair matter, and to be unwilling to just wait for things to develop on their own or by others, but rather becoming the actual vehicle for that change and action.
3. Much of what we hear every day is the equivalent of background noise, because either it is opinion of unknowledgable individuals, or empty chatter that adds little to the conversation. Those capable of sorting out this background noise are far better able to focus on both their needs and what they wish to achieve.
4. We should listen to make ourselves better and assume personal responsibility for our actions(or lack of). Becoming a significant human being requires assuming personal responsibility.
5. When we listen more, and speak less, we put ourselves in a far better position to achieve meaningfully. Personal greatness must always relate to devotion to excellence and expertise. Shouldn't each of us strive to become the best that we can be?
6. Don't we need to focus on needs? When we listen with the intent of becoming more empathetic and better people, we listen in order to become primarily needs oriented. We become better people and contribute more to our own well being, as well as society, we learn from our listening, as opposed to the masses who often hear without really listening.
Don't just talk and hear, but make your conversations enhance communication. When we follow these six basic keys, we don't only hear, but we effectively listen.
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