Submitted by Scot Simmons, Co-founder, ProConnectLA
Regardless of who you are, where you are, when you were born, what “tribe” you belong to, how many followers you have, or why you’re reading this, chances are there is one thing that you need to do more of in order to rise in this chaotic, challenging, changing world.
Listen. (Consider it both an answer and a request.)
With such an emphasis placed upon being “woke” these days, why not make more of an effort to separate students, employees, collaborators and clients from background din and distraction, e.g. cell phones to intercoms to ipads to Jib Jabs. All in the best-intentioned singular interest of fostering a little senses-stirring silence, of course.
Silence. What a concept.
And before I hear from all those (like myself) who champion speaking out against intolerance, injustice, oppression and ignorance, it’s not the same thing.
Consider this: “SILENT” and “LISTEN” each contain the same letters.
Here’s an idea. Instead of bowing to the pressure of formulating a response before the speaker has formulated a finish…instead of making sure you transcribe every word before you start actually thinking about the concept…instead of focusing on the expression of your agenda before you understand what the other person’s is…try turning off everything but your brain and putting your empty hands on the desk and…
Bring back LISTENING!