If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (both @theSUMOguy) you may have come across my recent post:
The key to thriving is co-operation, collaboration, and looking out for each other.
Maybe it’s more ‘Survival of the friendliest’ than ‘Survival of the fittest.’
It got me thinking.
What’s one simple way you can be a friend and look out for someone?
Well, one way is to simply do this:
Listen without interrupting.
That’s right. No need to provide a solution or hijack the conversation and make it about you.
Just…
Listen
without
interrupting.
Is it hard to do?
Absolutely.
Would it be weird if you did it all the time?
Probably.
But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not worth being more intentional about allowing others to talk, rather than simply looking for your opportunity to speak.
Now of course we need to interact. Asking questions and sharing your perspective is all part of everyday conversation, and that does mean you’ll interrupt sometimes.
But there are times when people just need a good listening to.
And when you do so – without interrupting – your silence could be music to their ears.
This week, why don’t you try to do a little less interrupting and a little more listening? Can you think of anyone you could try to do this more with?
Let me know how you get on.
Macmillan Cancer Support
You may remember that we decided as a business to donate £1 to Macmillan Cancer Support for every copy of my books sold during December 2021.
We had hoped to raise in the region of £700.
Well, it seems you bought quite a few of my books. The total raised was actually £1,934.
Thank you so much to all of you who bought one of my books – doing so made a real difference.
Until next time.
Remember and practice those three words. Listen without interrupting.
Paul
The SUMO Guy
thesumoguy 