“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” - Steven Covey
When you think about helping others, it usually brings to mind taking an action to solve a problem. But often times actively listening is one of the most important ways to help someone.
Actively listening is more than just being quiet while someone talks. Active listening means being focused, looking for non-verbal cues, asking clarifying questions, understanding, and repeating back to ensure the other person knows they have been heard.
It is a gift to give someone to help them feel heard and understood.
Try making the goal of your conversations to understand, not just to have a response.
