DO YOU HEAR THAT?

Today I was having a phone conversation with my son while I was driving to my office and realized half way through it that I did not hear much of what he said. I was thinking about the appointments scheduled for the day, my weekend plans, my driving and the conversation I had with a friend the night before. The truth is I was focused on everything except listening to what my son was telling me.

I was jarred into listening to him when he said “Mom! Are you listening to me?” Has that ever happened to you? Everyone has something to say and EVERYONE wants to be heard. Think of all the conversations we have in a day. With all the listening we do, you’d think we would be experts at it.

Did you know that a critical communication skill is your ability to LISTEN? How well you listen and what you hear directly impacts the quality of your relationships and even your career. When we engage in conversation we are listening for a purpose. That purpose can be to gather information or to learn something or to better understand the issue or simply because we like the person and are interested in what is being shared.


When we listen – truly listen – we gain personal power and the ability to influence and negotiate. This skill enhances our personal presence and our confidence. Even better – by listening we can avoid conflicts, misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Next time you are having a conversation with someone listen without distraction. Make a deliberate effort to concentrate and focus fully on listening.  When you become a better listener – you will become a better communicator and influencer too.