"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
Sir Winston Churchill
AN EXERCISE IN COURAGE
I am a history buff and have always loved that quote. Listening seems sometimes to be a lost art. Think of how many people in your everyday encounters really listen to what is being said to them. Truthfully, every now and then I find myself zoning out while thinking ahead to other things on the horizon when I am in conversation with someone. It's a really horrible thing born of always being in a rush and trying to be a step ahead. I find I do this way more than I should, kick myself a few times and get back on track. I do this a lot with my kids. I get really impatient for them to get to the point. But guess what? If I'm not really listening I miss the point!
I hate to admit that I have done this with a client or two in the past. In business this can be a real killer. What is your client really saying to you? Are you so jazzed in presenting yourself and your service that you run over them with a steamroller of facts and statistics? I think this was my biggest mistake when I first began talking with potential clients. I was so eager to sell my service that I didn't really listen, I mean really listen. I reviewed the conversation in my head, thought of things I should have said and then stopped dead cold. I realized what I missed and should have said because I wasn't really listening. Has this happened to you before?
Listening to things we may not want to hear falls into this category also. How does service improve or business grow if one is not open to listening to constructive criticism or alternative ideas? I have gotten some great input for my business by listening to clients and mentors. Sometimes listening to things not so pleasant but none the less valuable.
I am not saying anything new here. Listening is first and foremost the most important part of any business arsenal. Unfortunately it can seem rare in today's hurry up world. How many times have you felt rushed at a visit with your doctor? How about the clerk that is speaking on the phone while trying to wait on customers? Do I want someone having that recollection of my business or service? Would you?
Reminding myself to listen effectively is an exercise I must do on a daily basis. An exercise that brings great rewards to me, my business and most importantly my clients. Who knows who will be listening to them after I have long left the scene.
AccentPositives provides effective and economical Home Staging consultations on site and online. We are located in Corona and service the Inland Empire area of Southern California. Call 951 833-8529.
We all need to slow down and listen to each other. Thanks for the post
What a cool blog. You helped remind me that I do the same thing from time to time. Sometimes I anser the clients question before they get it all out. I know where they are headed so I just blurt out the answer when they are in mid sentence. I hate when I do that.
You are very correct on this one, and thanks for the Churchill quote.
If you don't listen, soon you'll be talking to yourself.
Another common mistake we make is to be so wrapped up in what we have to say in response that we don't even let them finish or we hijack their point and make it all about us. I know I am guilty of that! Great post to get us thinking about our listening skills and how we can improve them!
Thanks for reminding us about the importance of listening... You're so right! I recently purchased a tele-class (over the phone) that took 2 hours on 4 different nights. I found myself zoning out a few times and had to remind myself that I had paid to listen!
Hi Harry, it's something I am always working at. I am hurry hurry all the time:)
Hi Bob, thanks, reminding myself constantly on this, good thing I don't get zapped when I goof like in those lab tests lol
Brian, you've got that right! Sounds like you have a great quote of your own.
Hi Tara, always a work in progress, right? Maybe slowing down the pace a bit helps everyone:)
Hi Cathy, thanks for commenting. I am glad to hear I am not the only one zoneing out here and there!
Hi Ana,
Listening is so important...if we're not listening there really is no conversation, right? I think in this busy world, we're all guilty of not listening at one time or another! Congratulations on your nomination from RESA!
Hi Michelle, thanks and thanks for the pretty card, got it yesterday:)
Listening is a lost art! I continue to try and improve on this one!
Ana,
Thank YOU again... for your generous donation to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer!
Ana,
What a great post! I think we could all use a reminder from time to time to be better listeners. I am constantly working on it. Thanks for making us think.
Ana,
A very thoughtful post on an important topic. Way to go!
Hi Kim, me too thanks for commenting
Hi Michelle, thanks for volunteering you time for a great cause.
Hi Carra, thanks for commenting, I remind myself all the time too:)
Hi Sharon, thanks for stopping by, are you back yet?
Your post explains in great detail why I like to get my Clients to write things down for me using my Top 10 and Bottom 10 lists, of which I recently wrote a post.
Jim that's a great idea. I will check out the post and thanks for commenting:)
Hi Ana, I haven't read that quote in long time, it'sclassic advice concerning everything we do. I am guilty of this also. I like to have fun when someone isn't listening and start slipping in crazy words or fragments of a sentence. Try it it's fun :)
Its very important to be an active listener. Listening not only to what is being said verbally but looking for the non verbal clues.
Ana, before I got into Real Estate sales when I had to deal with Realtors I was always annoyed that I would tell them something important and a day or so later they would ask me a question that clearly showed they were not listening to me. I'm always aware of that with my clients and do my very best to just sit down and listen...it doesn't always work, but I keep working on it.
I think that's a great quote by Churchill...a plaque on the wall of my office, is in my future.
Great post, I think it's important to sit back and listen, we learn more than we think...
Hi Nick, listening doesn't always work as you say but I think it works more than doesn't, for me anyway and it is always a work in progress for me too. That quote is definitely plaque material. Thanks for stopping in, Happy Holidays:)
Hi Keith, you are very right! Thanks and have a super holiday:)
Ana
Perhaps one of the best history books I ever read was Winston Churchill's six-volume The Second World War. I know your Churchill quote was just the start of your post, but if you like history and haven't read it, it's well worth the read.