He Said What?

      Today's video was a story about a man I work with, who doesn't listen. This is a problem, even though I joke about it. Today people don't REALLY listen to one another. Many times it's not that people don't care what someone is saying to them, the problem is they are too caught up in what is going on in their lives to be able to focus on another person.
       Listening is an art. It has to be practiced to be good. Like an artist has to paint daily or a musician has to play for hours a day to be good, the same goes for listening. Some have the natural ability to listen to others and then be able to respond with advice, guidance, empathy, or perhaps sympathy. Everyone knows a good listener. That is the person you talk to when you have something important to talk about. You know that person will be there to listen and help you through whatever. Why wouldn't you want to be that person?
       By listening to others, it is possible to help yourself too. As an example, a friend tells you that they have a problem with their children. They may have a problem you haven't encountered with your own children. It would be wise of you to listen and find out how they are handling it, in the event you must do the same. Not that you will handle it the same but at least you have time to come up with a plan. Maybe you have had the same problem with your children, you can tell them how you handled it. This may be a help for them to come up with a plan. It's a chance to improve yourself as well as help them.
       Now I don't recommend eavesdropping as a method to improving your listening skills! It's just rude for starters and usually you don't get the whole story. I'm not saying that once in a while you won't pick up some good information, but how do you feel when you have to say "I didn't mean to overhear you but...". I feel terrible. Almost like I broke into their home and looked around while they were out! The conversation I was listening to was private and I broke in! Not exactly the same but I think you can see the parallels.
      So I say if you are a good listener: Keep up the Good Work! If you're not a good listener: Keep trying! Due diligence will pay off in the end, because you will be a friend. I have never heard anyone say "I have too many good friends!"
Take care all,
Steven