Let’s Revisit The Art Of Listening

Issue #37

I hope you made it past April Fool’s Day unscathed. Growing up in a house with all brothers, sometimes it felt like every day was April Fool’s Day 😜, but I digress…

If you’ve been with me from the start of this newsletter, I’m happy to announce that I’ve now made it through all 22 lessons in my book, plus a few extra I added in along the way. 🙌🏼 🙌🏽

Now, I have the freedom to write about whatever I like, but will most likely continue to touch on the lessons again as they keep popping up in my life.

Which leads us to this week’s topic – Listening

A few weeks ago, we had a speaker on Generative Listening in my monthly Vistage group meeting, and she really opened my eyes to the many ways we do (and don’t) listen well.

She covered the three main areas in which we have conversations, and how these lead to opportunities to become better listeners.

Reality-Based Conversations – these are our automatic conversations and are based in the present and the past. They’re pretty easy to have, but don’t leave room for much depth or connection. Think “what is.”

Possibility-Based Conversations – these are based in the future and revolve around the possibilities of what could be. When we’re with the right listener, these conversations allow us the space to be creative and courageous and truly dream up “what could be.”

Identity-Based Conversations – these are the timeless conversations that focus on who we are becoming, and who it’s all for. It could be for yourself, for others around you, or to fulfill the purpose you feel was placed on your life. These conversations are limitless and not bound by time or space.

Whatever type of conversation you’re having, one of the best starting points is to ask the other person “what kind of listener do you need me to be?” The purpose of generative listening is to energize both the people and the possibilities, and the best way to do that is to show up in a way that works for everyone.

As we head into the weekend, I encourage you to think about who the “good listeners” are in your life and what makes you classify them that way. Then consider what type of listener you are and where there may be room for improvement to foster even better connections and relationships. 😍

With you on the journey,

Suhaiba