Are You A Good Listener?

Would your spouse or kids say you are a good listener or would they say you are easily distracted? How often do you ask someone to repeat what they said? I have certainly been guilty of not giving others my full attention, especially when I'm working on a project, can you relate?

James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

During an interview Tom Hanks mentioned how Mr. Rogers was always interested in what others had to say & how he was a good listener. Tom realized after playing Mr. Rogers he needed to improve his own listening skills and he mentioned the acronym W.A.I.T. which stands for Why Am I Talking. I thought this was a clever way for us to take inventory of our conversations, are we doing all the talking or are we allowing others to speak without interruptions?

How can we improve our listening skills?

Here's just a few suggestions that can make a difference in your next conversation.

1) Give others your undivided attention, make eye contact with them

2) Put your phone or electronics down, stop what you are doing

3) Don't interrupt while the other person is talking, allow them to finish before you speak

4) Ask questions, this shows you are genuinely interested in what they have to say

What kind of a listener are you?

Do you need to work on your listening skills? I am certainly trying to become a better listener myself.

Proverbs 1:5 Let the wise listen and add to their learning.

Our challenge is to pay attention to the next conversation we have and verify if you are giving your undivided attention or if you are distracted. The more you pay attention the more aware you will become with every conversation, which in turn will help you become a better listener!

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime