Covey once made the observation ‘Most people listen to respond rather than listening to understand.’ Isn’t this an indictment on the modern world. We have become so ego centric that we can’t truly listen and appreciate others. Most conversations are hijacked by people wanting to talk about themselves, who wait until a pause before they can jump in. If we really want to value others we need to mentally tune in & focus on them.
‘I think Damon genuinely liked to listen, to truly listen. He would listen with everything he had, his eyes, his shoulders, his hands and his entire demeanour and then remain silent and consider what he heard, ask one or two cogent questions and then finally offer an opinion. This mannerism was charming and so he made his friends seem important and their opinions valuable.’
– Bryce Courtney, April Fools Day