Isn't that the truth though?
We are so concerned with what our take or reply on a matter issss that we often miss the best parts of a talk or critical details in an important matter. Yep... because we are busy formulating ourrr response. Guilty here without a doubt. We tend to miss main points anddd we can fail to trulyyyy understand people because our minds are elsewhere. True?
I challenge you to sit in a meeting this week and not comment.
Maybe take notes of important points without ever giving your opinions.
We all want to have the answer or solution .... Right? .... because it makes us feel ...special and.... Oh boy... Yep I'm gonna say this.... Important... Been there.
How about this? Let someone else save the day for a change. Really... Give over the super hero cape. Lol Be a day maker by giving full attention to someone's idea orrr story.
I also challenge you when you go to lunch w a friend or family member or co worker to be fully present w/an empathetic ear and encouraging validation of what's being said.
Focus completelyyyyy on WHO you are in company with. Have a genuine interest in THEIR story. This requires discipline. However... When done properly over time it can become habitual. So what do ya think? You up for it? It requires selflessness. Laugh out loud.
I don't know about you .... Buttttt... I'd rather listen to understand someone's story a little better than always having to give my perspective. I admit....Listening well has been a challenge for me in the past....(partially b/c I like to fix things) lol. Howevah'....as I grow older and a wee buttt wiser I see the insurmountable value in pausing and being present
with the people I do life with. Work your pause and you watch...
Being present in your conversations will actually help you understand people better.
Not to mention validating the person u are speaking with.
Sometimes a smile and empathetic eye and a hand on the shoulder are even better.
No reply needed.