Is the person you are talking to…listening? Maybe, maybe not. We are not all equal in the listening department, at all. Some folks just want to talk, and talk and talk without ever listening. When I come across someone who is a great listener, I’m hugely impressed. This is probably why I LOVE my Veterinarian so much, he’s a great listener. Listening is so very important, especially in the k9 field of work, because our dog’s can’t talk. Oh sure they communicate but it is up to us to read what’s going on and relay that message to the professionals. It can be very frustrating when a dog professional does not listen.
Just the other day I had probably one of the worst one sided conversation that I’ve ever had. The person was at my house to discuss some repairs; but my repairs were the last thing that we discussed. In fact we didn’t discuss much, he talked and I struggled to get a few words in about what needed repair. What happened during our meeting that was suppose to be me explaining what I needed, was a spewing of useless information. It was a sheer waste of time; there was no conversation, no back and forth, just spewing (or verbal diarrhea as my husband calls it.) :)
Listening truly is an art form. There are times when “we” are required to do the bulk of talking; like when we are teaching or telling a story. But there has to be a time when we stop and listen, take a breath. It amazes me when “talkers” don’t notice a lack of engagement from the would be listening party. Does the person you are talking to look like they are listening? Are they engaged? Or have they turned off and let their brain leave the building. During my non productive meeting the other day; my ears totally left my body. I stopped listening and focused on other things that were on my agenda. It was a complete waste of time. What I got out of the interaction if you can call it that, was frustration.
Frustration is never good for anyone, it is an awful state for our dogs as well as us. I like to think that I am a good listener; it is something that I am very aware of and try to work on being a good listener. There are particular times in our lives when we really need people to listen to us, when it is super important that we relay a message. If the person we need to share information with does not listen, it can be extremely frustrating.
Listening is such an essential and beneficial ability. I seem to be running into a lot of non listeners these days, not sure why? I tried to make an appointment with someone else the other day and the person never showed and then showed up when he was not suppose to. I felt like asking if they were the one I actually talked to? Frustrating like crazy.
Have you ever wanted to scream “stop talking and listen for a second?” I most definitely have wanted to. This is caused by frustration. Listening is such a sought after talent or ability that there are dozens of books on the art of listening. Just pop on amazon and have a look, there’s lots there.
Have you ever experimented with listening and talking? Have you ever sat with someone who talks a lot and said nothing yourself? Have you wondered if they will ever realize that you have literally said nothing? There are all sorts of listening levels; the best is when you actively take part in listening. That means taking in information, pondering or considering what you’ve heard and then offering a reply or feedback. Digging in when listening to someone is great listening.
Professionals who are hired or called to assist others need to be good listeners. Otherwise how on earth will you ever know why you are there? Honestly.
A little rant I had to get off my chest…thanks for listening. ;)