In recent weeks I have heard more and more clients and friends complain that they talk, make a request, and in the end realize that few people actually listen to them!
It could be spouses that don’t pay attention and quickly dismiss what their partner just said, seeming to not care, certainly not taking the communication seriously… End result: Serious relationship strain.
It could be friends that are trying to work out travel plans, and much that is articulated is either misunderstood or simply forgotten… End result: Hurt feelings and disappointment.
It could be the head of a big project trying to order specific materials and coordinate work tasks and responsibilities, throwing up his hands at how many along the chain of workers involved either totally miss the message communicated to them or simply do what they want without consideration of the big picture and all the pieces of the puzzle that must come together… End result: Angry and frustrated boss, upset customer, apathetic employees.
What is wrong? Why don’t we listen anymore?
I could blame it on the weather, but there is much more going on here!
Why is it we can’t take the time to fully and carefully attend to the message of another? Why are we being so thoughtless and rude, not just once in awhile, or on a bad day, but consistently?
Wake up folks! Grow up and take the relationships in your life seriously!!!
The respectful act of fully listening to another human being can go a long way to correcting some of the very issues that make our world so toxic and miserable for us all! Do your part and be civil to others…