Listen carefully . That is new mantra during this Pandemic


01 Sep 2020

    Many successful leaders and entrepreneurs credit their success to effective listening skills. Richard Branson frequently quotes listening as one of the main factors behind the success of Virgin.

.   Listening is so important that many top employers provide listening skills training for their employees, This is not surprise that best Managers and Leaders have the good listening skills which will lead to customer satisfaction, greater productivity, increased shared information that will lead to more creative and innovative work.We have one mouth and two ears so that we can speak less and listen more. But for most of us , we cant listen but we want to speak more. We are proud of our sweet tongue or voice and we will use it when needed as well not needed to bring in displeasure discomfort or happiness as the case may be. We can’t ignore our own sweet voice and that is why many speak non stop , whether required or not. Our traditional philosophy tradition and teaching gave more importance to Listening .

Our Gurus have advised us to listen more, To get the listeners  mode , only solution is to stop speaking. When one stops talking, and is listening to others, the importance of what others have to say will be understood. But the interpretation of what one listens to is also important.

We have a habit of not listening fully. We listen with disturbed mind. Each ones listen to ones own chattering mind. Very often we listen to others with prejudice manner, with ego  with no respect. We do not listen to the ideas of others with an open mind. We forget who is speaking? What are the  speakers objectives? Why the speaker is bring this topic and objectives in these circumstances. We need to create a analytical brain when we listen to understand the matter so deep so that we can speak well after listening. Many don’t have that maturity , it is filled with ego and we don’t do objective listening. We are not willing to accept what others speak.

Lord Ganesha with huge ears gives an image that Lord listen carefully and attentively to the words of others.  The broken tusk of the Lord reveals that one should master ones likes and dislikes. Our likes and dislikes are valuable. The broken tusk represents operating from commitment : not from likes and dislikes. The commitment in listening of others will increase the possibility of better understanding and it will pave way to clear the misunderstandings, improve self esteem , confidence , remove stress etc.

Listening is Not the Same as Hearing

Hearing refers to the sounds that enter your ears. It is a physical process that, provided you do not have any hearing problems, happens automatically.

Listening, however, requires more than that: it requires focus and concentrated effort, both mental and sometimes physical as well. 

Listening means paying attention not only to the story, but how it is told, the use of language and voice, and how the other person uses his or her body. In other words, it means being aware of both verbal and non-verbal messages. Your ability to listen effectively depends on the degree to which you perceive and understand these messages.

     Tips for being a Good Listener

  1.Give your full attention on the person who is speaking. Don't look out the window or at what else is going on in the room. Respect the speakers time and effort

2.     Make sure your mind is focused . It can be easy to let your mind wander if you think you know what the person is going to say next, but you might be wrong! If you feel your mind wandering, change the position of your body and try to concentrate on the speaker's words.

3.     Let the speaker finish before you begin to talk . Speakers appreciate having the chance to say everything they would like to say without being interrupted. When you interrupt, it looks like you aren't listening, even if you really are and also you tend to hit the flow of speakers flow.

4.      Let yourself finish listening before you begin to speak ! You can't really listen if you are busy thinking about what you want to say next. Dont listen with a closed mind.

5.     Listen for main ideas . The main ideas are the most important points the speaker wants to get across. They may be mentioned at the start or end of a talk, and repeated a number of times. Pay special attention to statements that begin with phrases such as My point is... or The thing to remember is.. or when the speakers says I want to  emphasize.


6.     Ask questions . If you are not sure you understood what the speaker has said, just ask. The questions should be to the relevant of the subject and it is not showcase our knowledge above the subject but to encourage the speaker to open up and ends up in good communication which may benefit all.

7 .Give feedback. Sit up straight and look at the speaker. Please nod as you understand. You may also smile laugh or be silent. Body movements also can indicate that you can let the speaker know that you are listening. You need to listen with face as well as your ears. This is true for physical meeting and now with online meetings , how about using your voice  when required and gives acknowledgement in short and crisp and to use chat box facilities. 

Let your intellect discern what is right and what is wrong. Sage Thiruvalluvar  has said " Whoever or whatsever said, it is wise to grasp the truth.

Happy learning to all.


Written By

Binu Kurien

More Posts by Binu Kurien


FATALISTIC ATTITUDE
How to Break a Bad Ha...
Leadership sytles
Emotional Intelligence
JOHARI WINDOW
To Forget is not a Bad...
Checklist for Meeting...
What Type of Meetings ...
How Corona 19 will cha...
How to conduct effecti...
Welcome DID YOU KNOW?

60% Trainers do not have enough job in hand.

77% Corporates find it difficult to reach to the right Trainers.

Not because of lack of Trainers. But, for the lack of connect in the market.