Bryant McGill says, "One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say”.
Listening is an art in itself ! But this art is becoming a rare feat now-a-days as we don't find many with an ear to hear genuinely.
We being very busy these days do not find time to just sit for a conversation, be it casual or otherwise. If we are put in a position with no other option but to listen, we either do it to judge the person opposite to us or do it because we don't have any other choice.
Why is listening an art?
Not many of us are good listeners. When we start listening instead of hearing, we will find meaningful things unfolding during the process. We will understand more about the person on the other side than ever. It opens up a safe space to discuss topics or share thoughts on things that matter.
Why does listening matter?
There are always people around us who would not be open to discuss their thoughts in public. We might be working with them all day long or they might be our travel buddies but we would have failed to understand. They might have dropped clues here and there about their uneasiness or helplessness, that’s why listening is more important than anything else. Introverts don't usually open up about their struggles easily unless and until they feel safe. That being the case, having a listening ear is all the more important.
Young or Old, just listen to them, ONCE !
Without any compromise both parents and people in leadership roles need to spend time listening!
If there are young children who are trying to open up something to us, we shouldn’t neglect it thinking it might not be important. We will never know unless we listen, it could be an issue about harassment or bullying which when not addressed immediately might lead to serious effects. Same way, when adults are trying to share something, be there for them without any judgments because it's never easy to express the thoughts.
In the corporate world, there is something called mental pressure. Here people keep working and keep juggling between tasks that they don't find time to let out their emotions. When we make time to listen and find out about the issues they face, it could be a game changer for them and us too. When leaders take time to listen and give the people working under them the space to open up, it will do wonders within the team. We will be able to build trust and confidence within the team which is a boon in the longer run.
When we start listening to people irrespectively, we will learn more about them and what their needs are, what they care about, how they would want to be treated and what matters the most to them. When we spend our time listening to others,it's never a waste of time. To them that discussion could be life changing and worth moving on by letting their burdens down to someone who listened to them.
STOP and LISTEN, simple!
Lending a listening ear is very underrated now-a-days. We think those who spend time listening to others are jobless. That's not the case. The truth is they care about people around them more than their time. If we come to know of someone who is struggling in any area, just stop and listen. Many might not need suggestions or any help even but just a listening ear. We will never know, we could be the light at the end of their dark tunnel, their answered prayer for a person to care!
No one can navigate this world alone without anybody’s help. So be that person we would want someone to be to us. We will see the magic unfold in front of our eyes when we start to listen and eventually learn from it!
As the Dalai Lama quotes, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new”.
So, keep listening and keep learning!!
About the Author
Shalini Solomon comes with close to 15 years of industry experience in the Human Resources space. She is currently designated as Head - People and Values with Kazh Fintech Private Limited. She likes to interact with people and makes sure they have the space to grow and learn and are free to work without any pressure. People first is always her approach. She holds an Engineering degree in Computer Science.