Moments of Expression--Listening Part A

Hello, Steemians

This write up is going to be of two parts. The first is going to talk about the value of listening and the second part is going to be on how to develop listening skills.
Some might wonder what inspired this write up, don't worry, in the course of reading, you'll get to understand.

_{Image-Pixabay(CCO Creative Commons)}

Before we delve into the topic proper, I want to ask a question,

What is the difference between listening and hearing?

If you can distinctively distinguish between the two, then congrats.

I'll begin explaining the difference with the quote that says,

The most important thing in communication is to listen to what isn't said.

Looking deep into most of the problems around us, the issues that tend to cause these challenges arise when one party or both parties aren't listening to one another. We have a disunited Nation that's about hitting rock bottom not because the leaders aren't hearing, but they aren't listening.

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, Listening can be seen as

Hearing something with thoughtful attention, or to hear what someone has to say and understand that it is serious, important or true".

Edgar Watson Howe once said jokingly that,

No man would listen to you talk if he didn't know it was his turn next

Unfortunately, this describes the way people are today. So many individuals are too busy waiting for their turn to talk than to really listen to others speak. Becoming a good listener enables you to connect with others on more levels and develop stronger, deeper relationships because you are meeting a need.

Listening is a skill that can help a person succeed in all spheres. When there's no good practice of listening to people be it from employers to employees, spouses to colleagues, children to friends, and of course leaders of nations to the masses, the consequences can be disastrous. In some situations, it can lead to the end of friendships, lack of authority, lessened parental influence, the break down of marriages, citizens wanting to relocate to other countries, or civil unrest

Listening has it rewards as do all things

🌠 It shows respect

Like the words of psychologist Dr. Joyce Brothers, " Listening, not imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery" Whenever you pay attention to what someone has to say, you send them a message that you care and respect them and vice versa.

🌠 It builds relationship

Listening enhances a better relationship with others. When you listen to people who come to you to talk about their concern, they automatically develop stronger relationship with you. When you become that important listener, you help that person and thus earn a place in their heart.

🌠 It increases knowledge

The words from Lyndon. B. Johnson gives a direct explanation to this when he stated, "You ain't learning nothing when you are doing all the talking". It amazing how much you can learn about friends, family, job an organization and yourself when you decide to listen and pay attention to them.

🌠 It generates ideas

From knowing, you begin to innovate. Listening is a very good way to captivate fresh and innovative ideas. Listening to people especially their ideas be it relevant or irrelevant often spark creative thoughts in you and others. You never know how close you are to a million dollar idea unless you are willing to listen.

🌠 It is a great way to help others and yourself

Roger G. Imhoff urged by saying, "Let others confide in you. It may not help you, but it surely will help them".
When you become a good listener, you put yourself in a position to help yourself because it ameliorates stronger relationship, gathering valuable information and increase in understanding oneself and others.

🌠 Listening builds loyalty

Like I stated earlier, if you don't practice listening to people, they'll find others who will but if you do practice listening, they become more loyal and you tend to have an influence on them.

I do hope you've learned a thing or two from this post, watch out for the next part which talks about how to develop listening skills.