What did you say?

I’ve been doing a lot of listening lately, listening in webinars, listening in online meetings, listening as colleagues talk and listening to the sounds of my new location.

When I’m part of a conversation, my instinct is to jump in and contribute with a funny quip, story or reflection – sometimes butting in with excitement, lest the conversation head into another direction before I’ve planted my message or story. I’m always anticipating, second-guessing and not taking the time.

There’s that famous quote about how we mostly listen in order to reply, rather than listen to understand.

I’m trying to understand and I’m learning.

Listening, of course, is a fundamental way to learn. It is the very core of who we are and where we’ve come from. It is the passing down of knowledge and culture.

Since we started making baby noises, however, we’ve been encouraged to speak. Speak your mind! Speak the truth! Speak up! But what about hearing the truth and listening to your mind. Allowing the space between thoughts and respecting the time it takes someone to answer or complete their offering.

I caught up with a friend not long ago. They are great at listening. And I always find myself talking way too much and disclosing way too much. It’s a skill I’d love to master. The listening bit, I mean.

I’m trying and I’m learning.

I want to be that friend, colleague or person who values the communication of others, allowing them to articulate and express, and respecting the silence between thoughts.

Just by listening.