It could be said that communication is the single most important aspect of successful relationships. If it were said, I would agree with it. Unfortunately it is not said enough, probably because of ineffective communication.
Often in our relationships with our spouse, friends or business associates we are unclear in our communication, and in our listening. Usually, unclear communication comes from poor listening. People often begin formulating their response before the other person is even half-way complete with their message. The result is that they are not listening clearly, and if they are not listening clearly, how can they respond clearly?
I remember when I entered the illustrious field of sales. This lesson was lost on me in the early days. I would talk and talk, until I talked my way out the door. If I wasn’t talking, I was deciding what I was going to say next.
One day, as I prepared mentally in my mind how I was going to overcome the next objection, my client slipped in that he was going to buy. I didn’t hear him. I just started talking again until he interrupted me. Luckily he had been in sales for years, and explained to me that my ‘gift of gab’ was a wonderful gift, and it would be even better if I paid enough attention to this phrase:
“You were born with two ears and one mouth, so you should be listening twice as much as talking.”
He pointed out that he had already committed to buy, and I was still trying to “sell” him on the idea. He called this “overselling”. He said many salespeople lose sales due to “overselling”, as I reflect on my career, I know that I have lost many sales. I suggest to you that we all “oversell” from time to time in many of our conversations. Often in conversation, people are often more concerned with what they are saying, than what is being said to them. In order to expand and grow we need to listen. In order to determine the needs of others, we need to listen. In order to follow instructions, we need to listen. In order to be successful, we need to listen.
We need to listen.
As you visit with friends and clients this week, remember to listen. Pay close attention to each word they say, I am sure you will learn something new and exciting!