Were you ever able to have a conversation with someone and actually listen to what the other person had to say instead of interrupting them every five seconds? If so, then great. You just may be a good listener.
However, too many people nowadays simply do more talking and interrupting than listening. It’s a shame, because so much vital information is lost when that happens — when someone feels the uncontrollable need to interrupt, argue, and ask a million questions when someone is trying to teach or explain something to you.
I think that some entrepreneurs need to start practicing the art of listening. To be able to really sit back and absorb, consider, and register everything that a person is saying. Because when you do that, you are able to get a better understanding and become a more enlightened person.
You’ll find that most of the questions that you had the urge to ask about will be answered over the course of the conversation if you do more listening than talking. Sure, it’s cool to engage the other person and ask questions, but it’s not cool when you are trying to dominate a conversation, especially with someone who is trying to teach you something or explain something to you — no…no…no…
How disrespected do you think that your mentor would feel if you continued to argue with him and ask out-of-the-blue questions while he was trying to explain a concept to you, to help further your understanding? He would feel very disrespected.
Some people, especially some of us excited and enthusiastic young entrepreneurs, simple don’t understand this simple concept of listening and absorbing. Too many of us are caught up in our own worlds and inadvertently attempt to dominate a conversation without even realizing that we are diminishing the value of the conversation.
So the next time someone is teaching you something or taking the time to further your education about a particular concept or perhaps explaining their business to you, do less talking and more listening. Remember, a conversation isn’t something that is owned, it’s something that is shared.
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Listening is a great sales technique as well. I have quickly learned that people don’t want to be sold they want to be heard.
Aaron, couldn’t agree with you more — well said.
Sometimes, when people are “listening,” they’re actually just waiting for their turn to speak.
“Active listening” is what you’re talking about, David.
Good point. When I listen I take notes on what my customers are saying. If I can’t take notes I make mental outlines so I’m sure I’ve understood their needs.
Ah, “Active listening”… I’ll remember that — thanks Lionel. Aaron, yup, taking notes is definitely great when listening. I do that from time to time as well.