People who listen learn

The art of active listening…

People who listen learn, those that don’t languish!

Throughout my career as both a business leader and subsequently a career coach I have noted that there are two types of people, those who listen and those who don’t…there is nothing in between.

So why does it matter you ask?

Simply because life is too short and no one can learn everything by trial and error…it’s impossible.

Therefore to learn as much as needed, within the shortest time span (90 years if you are lucky) you go to school, university and undertake continuous life-long training.  The smartest method of finding a solution quickly is to ask some who has already knows.

In this modern connected society where information is now so readily available there is no excuse for continual ignorance on virtually any topic.

Career management is based on listening to others who readily impart knowledge and wisdom to career focused people.  This is also mirrored in the workplace where training and mentoring is provide by management and specialist trainers.  Both of these actions are complimentary where a person wants to develop their career and the employer wishes to develop the worker into a more knowledgeable and effective contributor.

We define active listening as carefully absorbing information and/or advice given, then utilising or acting on it.  There is nothing more frustrating to a coach than when people ignore the training or advice provided.

Every individual has to take personal responsibility for their own actions (or inaction) and the consequences that flow.

Take notes, ask questions, clarify issues, then implement and grow from the learning experience.

If you don’t listen to others, at least listen to yourself and be honest when considering your motivation and next decisions…are they really in your best interests?

About Prof Janek Ratnatunga 1129 Articles
Professor Janek Ratnatunga is CEO of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants. He has held appointments at the University of Melbourne, Monash University and the Australian National University in Australia; and the Universities of Washington, Richmond and Rhode Island in the USA. Prior to his academic career he worked with KPMG.