Written By Ariana Purcell |
Summer is here! Say hello to warm weather and no school for the next three months! Last month, we discussed habit four, which is to think “win, win.” This means to think about your success, and the success of others. It is important to show good sportsmanship; and it is okay to win or lose, and for others to win or lose as well.
This month, we will learn the fifth habit, “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.” So, if you could see things from a different point of view, a whole new world would open up for you. One key thing in learning how to see things from other people’s perspective, is listening. Here are some styles of poor listening and good listening.
Five poor Listening Styles
• Spacing out
• Pretend listening
• Selective listening
• Word listening
• Self-centered listening
If you do a lot of poor listening, you may need to work on your technique. Here are some ways to help you:
• See how long you can keep eye contact with someone while they are talking to you.
• Go to the mall, find a seat, and watch people communicate with each other. Observe what their body language is.
• In your interactions today, try mirroring one person and mimicking another, just for fun. Compare the results.
• Ask yourself, “What is the poor listening style I struggle with most?”
• Sometime this week, talk to your parents just for the fun of it. Like, “How are you doing?” or “What have you been up to?” Practice genuine listening while talking to your parents.
• If you talk a lot or if you are talker, then spend one day just listening.
The next time you find yourself wanting to bury your feelings deep inside of you, try expressing your feelings, and maybe try talking to someone about those feelings.
If you see someone who is in need of venting or talking, make sure you are there for them. That person could maybe really use the feedback!
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