A Listening Party for Two

My son and I went for a walk last weekend. Our walks have been a time of bonding where we enjoy uninterrupted conversation about various topics. During this trek, we had a healthy exchange about his coding aspirations and my phone app ideas. He's usually in a position to listen to me since I'm his mom. But these talks allow me to listen to him and honor his 9-year-old thoughts and opinions. I encouraged him in his summer plans for coding. In return, he encouraged me and offered his feedback on my app ideas.

Listening is the catalyst for knowledge. In college, I had the option of auditing courses as a listener. What this meant was that I could sit in on the class as an observer for self-enrichment of a subject from a perspective of pure curiosity without it counting towards my degree. When it comes to receiving feedback however, listening is useless without wisdom: the ability to APPLY the knowledge we hear.

It's been said that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. From our physical design alone, the ability to listen appears to be twice as important as the ability to speak. We often listen to respond instead of seeking to understand. And if we have conjured up a genius idea (an invention, business or phone app), it can be especially difficult to listen to the opinions of others. Who wants to hear someone change their idea into something else? We tend to treat our ideas like our babies. No one enjoys hearing anything less than praise about their children!

When you have a new idea, do you allow it to be heard and battle tested? Not by just anyone, but by a trusted, diverse network that can listen and offer valuable feedback. Do you hold your ideas and plans hostage, fearful of hearing any opinions that will taint your intentions?

Listening to feedback can:

- Give you confirmation. Your idea was as good as you thought it was. What a relief! Gaining support is an added bonus.

- Build on your idea. Sometimes your brilliance is only a portion of a bigger picture. Find opportunities to create synergies with others and add on to your concept.

- Redirect you. An alternative approach may give you a better chance at success. Seek guidance on how to pivot.

- Stop you from making a big mistake. If the idea needs to be scrapped, it's better to know as soon as possible and to listen to sound advice.

Question: How have you benefited from listening to feedback?

INK WELL SPOKEN

"Empowering Your Purpose with the Power of Words"

#alisteningear #anearful #partyfortwo #listeningparty