“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.”
~ Roy T. Bennett
“We cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive, but we must never underestimate the power of planting a seed.”
~ Unknown
“It may take many voices for people to hear the same message.”
~ Rasheed Ogunlaru
“It is not what you hear, it is where you listen from within yourself that gives meaning to the messages.”
~ Iyanla Vanzant
I was recently reminded to welcome the messenger and to hear the message! It is so important to listen to stories and hear and feel the message! In this current and altered state, messages often feel confusing and flawed. The constant swamp of information has perhaps dulled our listening.
Truly listening, beyond the noise, means engaging with people to broaden our knowledge and understanding. Listening gives us the messenger’s perspective and their interpretation of the world. Without the ability and willingness to listen, messages can be easily silenced and we can miss the opportunity to validate the messenger and their story and to be part of a movement of compassion and action.
Written by Deborah Lavender, BMG Senior Consultant
Image Copyright: arloo, www.123rf.com
