By D. Paul Reilly

There's no doubt about it, the art of listening, really listening to what others are saying to us, is sadly lacking in today's world, where it would appear, at least from my personal observations, that most people just want to talk, whilst very few indeed wish to listen. However, as I teach in a module on 'Communication Skills' in my 'Broaden Your Horizons' seminar, communication is a two way street; there are transmitters and receivers, and the link between the two must be completed before any type of communication actually takes place.

So, listening is an extremely important link in the overall communication process. Incidentally, when we are listening, it is vitally important that we all listen with an 'Open Mind'. That is, we must never assume that we know in advance what the other party is about to say to us, as this is a definite barrier to effective listening. This assuming is what causes so many people to rudely interrupt others, before they have been given an opportunity to fully express themselves.

Now, the point which I really wish to emphasize here today relative to listening, is this. Just because you're a good listener, who listens attentively with a completely 'Open Mind' to another without any interruptions; it does not mean that you have to agree with what the other person has said. Having listened attentively as others express themselves, we then owe it to ourselves to fully analyze what was said, to think deeply about what was conveyed to us, thus making up our own mind as to whether we agree with the sentiments expressed or not. In other words, having analyzed what was said, we then make an internal decision as to the validity of the points made.

Having been involved professionally in facilitating seminars all around the globe for the past forty years, believe you me, I'm constantly getting suggestions from people as to changes I should make to some of the content of these seminars. Every so often, I do receive a good idea which I can incorporate into future seminars. However, for the most part, the ideas offered are completely off base, and just don't make any sense at all, from where I sit.

So, when I receive these ideas from others, I always do as the title of this article suggests; I A. Listen attentively with an 'Open Mind'; then B. I analyze exactly what was said; finally C. I decide if what was said actually makes sense or not. If after very careful analysis I determine that what was said makes sense, I accept it, and implement it.

So My Friend, in conclusion, I sincerely trust that with all your interactions with others each and every day, you too will 'Listen, Analyze & Decide'.

THINK ABOUT IT!