Listening is an art!

The phrase for the week is "Listen Without Defending and Speak Without Offending"

I remember the painful sting of my boss’s words in my first PR job. “William (Bill) Pajaud said, “Cheryl, you’d get more done with less rework if you were a better listener. And, you’d probably have fewer planning meetings if everyone in the room listened. I left his office, determined to become a better listener and test his theory.

These seven little words by Margaret Drake, I believe, are the foundation for any success I’ve enjoyed—“Listen without defending and speak without offending."

Bill was right. A good listener excels at all the basic human relations skills critical to success in all professions. A misunderstanding can account for missed deadlines, projects that don’t match with expectations and other problems. A good listener seeks out other points of view, thus showing respect for others and helps to facilitate open, honest communication.

It is best when we CHOSE to listen. Becoming an effective listener will help shape your influence and credibility as a leader, friend, spouse and parent.

I will hone my listening skills through practice each day.

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