Listening is the act of hearing attentively. I think it is potentially one of the most powerful skills nowadays. Listening is core to building trust and rapport. It is a central piece of effective communication and collaboration. It is a catalyzer of innovation and creativity.
When active listening partners with critical thinking, together, they influence the quality of our decisions. Listening to us and paying attention to others is fundamental. Nevertheless, we listen so little.
Listening requires undivided attention.
Listening is potentially the most adequate sense to deal with the complexity of our life.
In a noisy culture like ours, true listening can only take place and be meaningful when we are fully present or when we are surrounded by silence. Stepping back allows filtering the background noise that confines us. We can only see and hear certain things when there are no distractions around.
Open the ear of your heart!
In Japan, active listening leverages several sinograms, including ears, eyes, heart, and undivided attention. Actively listening is being present. Ears, eyes, mind and heart listen altogether.
Listening requires resilience as it integrates several components and senses, and it entails practice and confidence to deal with them all.
Dare to go for a walk, reflect and listen.
How often do you pay full attention to what is being said? Do you listen more to respond or to understand? Have you experienced people in meetings dealing with analysis and reports related to completing different matters? Have you been in more than one remote meeting at a time?
When was the last time you actively listened to yourself and to others, including your team?
Walking in nature may help you to reflect honestly and creatively about it. Allow the power of silence to serve you.
If you value being challenged with thought-provocative questions and need a little nudge, check our program One day with your team, a transformational methodology that helps unlock your team’s potential and unleash communication and trust.
P.S.* The picture portrayed on the article’s cover was taken during one of our programs, One day with your team, and the final result shared with us was very positive. Improved communication and deeper trust lead to better results.
NEW BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – SAVE THE DATE
We are very happy to invite you to discover our new book – Don’t count the kilometres
Join us on the 2nd of June (19h00) at the Cidadela in Cascais and come listen to the stories behind the book. Learn the fundamentals of the Walking Mentorship in +400 pages coloured with beautiful pictures, endless examples from our programs and exclusive exercises. If you pre-order before the official launch, you will receive some excellent benefits, including the price. Order here.
SHOULD WE WALK TOGETHER?
Walking Mentorship is a labour of love that helps you gain deeper insight and equips you to create a meaningful impact on your life and those around you. How can we work together? We keep things simple by offering Immersive, short-term and Corporate programs. Check the best fit for you. Until then, keep walking with me,
