I am sorry, can you repeat that?

When I was younger I spent a lot of time talking, mostly because I was working on my English, but as I got older, in retrospect, it was really because I was selfish.

In college I read a book called, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” and my whole perspective of dialogue and understanding people changed. If you want to really make an impact, listen. I am sure you have heard the saying, “People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” This very much applies to how you listen to people.

Some questions I would urge you to consider:

• Are you acting like you are listening just waiting to argue your point?
• Do you interrupt?
• Are you listening to condemn or to understand?
• Are you on your phone when the other person is talking?
• Are you in an environment where you can easily get distracted?

These are some questions that I have had to ask myself, sometimes while I am listening! It helps me to get back on track and to really listen to engage, not to react.

I urge you to take some time this week and listen to someone else, intently. This will make us better leaders and ultimately better entrepreneurs.