A simple question, asked many times a day, however, the answer is often ignored. Are we like this with our customers, asking questions but ignoring the answers? Do we think we know everyting already.
Every time I hear that we have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak I think to myself I need to do that. Listen more and speak less. My customers need to express themselves rather than listen to me. I need to know what motivates them, what makes them happy, what moves them.
So my goal for this coming year is to listen, to ask more questions which draw people out and give them time to answer. I need to make time for people, and be ready to listen when I sense someone is not OK and needs to talk something through. Maybe if we all made more time for each other we would enjoy life more, feel more connected and smile more. Maybe our customers would understand we care for them and it is not just about the check we get a few days after settlement. If we listened to other agents we may discover what is really important to their client and be able to craft a deal that makes everybody feel good about the result.
So...
If we listen we may discover a better answer.
If we listen we may hear something new.
If we listen we may make a new friend.
If we listen we may save someone's life.
If we listen we may be able to help.
If we listen we may.........what do you think we may?
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Thank you all, As Trudy often tells me, she is right all the time and I am only right occaisionally and as I wrote this, I can feel today was one of those times.
Nick
Yep absolutely, we can't and shouldn't agrue with listening!
Good post!
Thanks for making this post....it is something to think about.....
REALLY listening is not just an art.....
It is part of real love....
=-)
Thank you for all the comments. I think you are right Alex, it is a sign of love, a willingness to slow down and give your attention to someone, rather than just making noises of affirmation whilst scanning the newspaper or looking around the room for someone of importance to talk to.
With a child if we get down at their level as well it really helps. But I think it is something we can practice and improve upon, we are not stuck with where we are. I think if you are competitive you find yourself thinking what you are going to say next and even interupting rather than truly listening and then considering what has been said before responding.
I know in a marriage class we took once, that we were encouraged to basically explain what we heard to make sure we understood what had been said. I think Stephen Covey has this by saying seek first to understand the other person.
Nick and Trudy,
Yes, if we just listen. That may take a lot of effort for some. I know it's difficult for me sometimes, when my schedule is packed and I'm on the run, to really pay attention. Thanks for the reminder to be a better listener.