Whether speaking with a spouse, a child, or a colleague, effective communication always begins with listening. The most influential people are those who listen deeply before trying to speak.
When a person feels genuinely heard, their stress response quietens down and their mind opens up. They become more thoughtful, articulate, and receptive. Before entering an important conversation, drop your hidden agenda and ask yourself with sincere curiosity: "What do I genuinely not yet understand about this person’s perspective?"
Paradoxically, in this world of mass communication, it is very, very rare to meet a person who is truly interested in listening. Listening is all too often really just waiting for the other person to finish so that we can either say what we want to say or to leave and go on with our day.
