I have been privileged to have spoken to a number of young people and adults this week in a range of settings. The young people I have been speaking to have one thing in common – they don’t feel they are being listened to. On the other hand, some staff have shared with me their frustration with children who don’t listen.
Who has listened to you this week? How do you know they were listening?
What can this teach us all about listening to others?
The experts will tell you that active listening involves paying close attention to what is being communicated both verbally and non-verbally, listening not only to the content of what is being said but the emotions and body language shown.
Join me in the challenge for tomorrow and for the next week: To practice ‘Active Listening’ (even when tired, talking to a particularly irritating family member etc.{You get the picture!] In return I’m sure others will reciprocate. Let me know!