W.I.N. Wednesday: The Greatest Compliment
"The greatest compliment ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer."
Henry David Thoreau
How often have you asked someone what they thought, and then never really paid attention to the answer?
How often have you asked someone what they thought, then immediately told them why that was wrong, why it would not work or why your way is better.
How many times a day do you ask people, “How are you doing?” and actually wait for, and pay attention to the answer.
How often has someone asked how you are doing and when you said, “Not good. I am having a tough day.” they said “That’s nice.” or “That’s too bad.” and moved on with the conversation or with their day?
We all want to be heard and want to feel like our thoughts and ideas matter.
The key with the question “What do you think?” is to start the discussion by asking it to the other person or people. Listen carefully to what they have to say. Ask follow up questions to gain clarity or deeper insights. Once you have heard from everyone else then you can offer your thoughts if necessary. Starting with your thoughts, especially if you are seen as the leader or the expert, may stifle the conversation. If you start with the question you may never need to express your thoughts because the other person or people may have already come up with the solution and now they can move forward in an engaged and invested manner.
What’s Important Now? Pay others the compliment of asking what they think and attending to the answer.
Take care.
Brian Willis
www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com
Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
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