When my dose of Red Tractor Designs arrived in my inbox this morning the picture reminded me of a great little book I read recently called Life and Death Listening by Dan Oblinger
Dan invites us all to become better listeners by building more CAMPFIRES
Sometimes we need an anchoring image in our mind to focus our intention. The best image for the sort of listening that I’m talking about is that of a roaring campfire.
Inside the circle of the light, it’s safe to tell your story for all to hear.
Almost any topic can be discussed in this atmosphere of friendship and trust.
Outside the circle, there is darkness, fear, and confusion. Leaders and lovers should put considerable time and energy into creating a campfire atmosphere at work or in the home!
Stoke the coals, throw on a new log, and invite the story-telling to commence.
What should motivate all of us to become the best listener we can is this truth.
We should listen to people because of what they are, not who they are.
We listen to people because as a human being they possess a dignity that is invaluable.
They are one of us!
Every human being wants to be understood and loved.
Everyone has a story to tell and desires for an audience, even an audience of one.
The human need to be heard and valued trumps most everything else.
Dan is right. Listening is the most important communication skill.
We hesitate to share our fears, dreams, and aspirations with each other.
When we do, it is often raw, unfiltered, and incomplete.
In the modern hustle of business and life in general, our society lowers the bar for listening.
Our shared human desire for connection is what makes the fine art of “listening well” so compelling. It is the secret to unlocking the universe of people. It is foundational for both leadership and friendship. Source Life and Death Listening by Dan Oblinger
In 2021 I am looking forward to mastering my listening skills and giving the emerging leaders I work with access to experts from all over the world like Charlie Arnot, Roxi Beck, Kwame Christian and maybe even Dan to help them “unlock the universe of people” and get the best outcomes for farmers, consumers and the planet
Speaking of great listeners how awesome is the work of Oscar Trimboli who recently shared this on LinkedIn
