From Kip Hollister, CEO of the Hollister Institute
When you are in the middle of a conversation with someone, how often do you feel that that person is truly listening to you, without wanting to fix, judge, interrupt, or turn the conversation back to themselves? If you answered, "not often," then you are not alone.
Listening is the essence of communication; however, it is commonly neglected. Add the disruption of technology to the equation and our ability to listen drops even more.
When you feel that you are being genuinely heard, conversation is able to flow with ease, which creates space for action without judgement. Mindful listening is not about judging, but rather about accepting whatever the other person says, whether you agree with it or not.
I would like to encourage you to put your preconceived judgments and opinions aside the next time you are in a dialogue. Allow yourself to be present and just LISTEN. This is what will create true authenticity in your relationships.