When people talk to you do you listen?
For example, when someone tells you about a problem they have, do you really listen to them?
Or are you busy thinking about something else?
Like your clever repost?
Or something similar that happened to you?
Or your solution?
Or that freckle on their nose?
Or an email you must send?
Or why they don’t just get to the point?
Or…whatever.
If your inner commentary rambles on relentlessly while another is talking it’s impossible to hear anything; the barrage of ‘you’ filters them out.
If you cannot hear, you cannot understand them or their problem.
So you can’t be of service to them.
Not only that, but you do yourself a disservice; if you’re not listening you won’t learn anything new.
Not great for anyone.
Drastic if you’re managing people.
Play what you hear, not what you know.
Miles Davis