I often forget how valuable a good listener is.
A good listener doesn’t need you to be a great speaker to pay attention. In fact, by being patient and curious, they make you a better speaker.
I happen to be raised by a good listener. If listening were basketball, my mom would beat LeBron James one on one any day of the week. No wonder everyone loves her.
We all dream of being great speakers. But the people we actually need more of are great listeners. Just talking to them helps us untangle our thoughts and emotions. We’re more ourselves with them than we are alone.
Great speakers make themselves heard. Great listeners make us hear ourselves.
The thing is… I can name just three people in my life who I consider good listeners.
I’m not even sure I myself am one. I can be when I’m interested in the subject but that’s not the point.
I promise to pay more attention if I’m paying enough attention.