Mindful Listening

Utilize affirmative body language—position toward the speaker, nod, and vocalize agreement.

Summarize or paraphrase key points to show understanding and strengthen the connection with the speaker.

Hopefully you can see that the issue was simply that they were unprepared.

listeners do not receive the same level of praise, attention, instruction, or credibility as speakers. They should!

But just as we learn to be patient and compassionate with those we’re trying to connect with, we can also be patient and tolerant with ourselves for not always getting it right!

“Hey, I’m so glad for you and I’m really interested to hear more about this, but is it all right if I chat with you later, when I’m not so caught up in work?”

Other people cannot make us feel one way or another; similarly, our feelings don’t compel other people to respond in any particular way or to feel the same.

Emotions are never pervasive, personal, or persistent, meaning that how we feel right now about something doesn’t apply to everything, for all time, and it isn’t something to take personally.

If you are not in control of your emotions, they’re often in control of you.

The best way to avoid getting into conflict with people is to first learn how to make peace with YOURSELF.