Do You Think You Are Approachable?

This Week's Simple Tip

I was having drinks with a friend of mine recently and she interestingly commented that "people share with you because you are approachable." That comment struck me as I wondered isn't everyone "approachable?" Not really. It turns out that being "approachable" has a lot to do with listening. When you really listen to somebody, you listen not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed. How many people do you know really listen? One of the biggest communication problems is that we listen to reply instead of listening to understand.

True listening is a win-win for both the speaker and the listener as we learn from each other. There’s a wonderful expression: You have two ears and one mouth and it’s best to use them in that proportion.

---

This Week's Focus:

This week, be mindful of your two ears and one mouth in your communications. Are you using them proportionately?

Click on the serenity sticky to print, cut and post on your bathroom mirror to remind you of this week's focus. Good luck!