Accidentally Aligned: The Power of Active Listening

American newspaper columnist Doug Larson is credited with saying, "Wisdom is the reward of a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk". Think about this for a moment. Every time we speak, we are hearing things that we already know. When we take the time to listen, we have the opportunity to learn something that we don't know.

When people trust us enough to speak to us about a problem, it is very important to hear what they are saying. Although it can be tempting to think about what we will say next, when we focus on what they are saying, it may change what we will say next.

When we craft our response in a silo, without including the information that is being shared, it ensures that we will form a solution that came from our own mind.

There are many good ideas out in the world, but a great idea comes from the sum of many good ideas. The world needs more great ideas. If you are seeking them, this is one way to get them.

I would love to hear how you are seeing this being demonstrated, or not and your thoughts around that.