The Art of Listening

Have you ever heard the old adage, "you have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you speak?" Well, it's true! Nobody likes to be run over with somebody else's words! James 1:19 says it this way, "Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak." What is your speaking to listening ratio? Do you tend to overrun the conversation, or do you wait to hear what other people have to say? When we take the time to ask thoughtful questions and genuinely listen to the answer, the person we are talking to feels valued and understood. Find one coworker or client at your job today and ask them how they are really doing. Then wait for the real answer… the one that goes deeper than just "fine." You may be surprised by what you find out!