Are you a good listener?

I’ve been told numerous times that I’m a good listener.

I’ve always felt like I was a pretty good one.

Well, as it turns out, I’m really not.

I’m not just being humble; I really do have a lot of work to do in this area.

I’m decent at waiting for my turn to talk.

I’m fairly good at keeping quiet before giving advice.

I’m relatively patient with others as I discover their needs and teach them what I’ve learned.

The more I’ve studied listening, the more abundantly clear it has become that I need to put substantial effort into actually listening.

As you read and apply information from The Sharper Minute, have you done any better at recognizing deficiencies and practicing your leadership skills?

If you want to improve as a leader, spouse, friend, relative, coworker, or person, it may be time to focus more on becoming a better listener.

In The Lost Art of Listening, author Michael Nichols claims that “Listening is a strenuous but silent activity,” and “takes self-control.”

Do you have the self-control to be silent, or do you just wait for your turn?

Even if you are a good listener, there are many benefits to becoming a better one.