Listen. Understand. Act.
Listen. Learn. Act.
If the goal is to get to the Act (and know how to act), it’s important to know which equation you and the other person are utilizing.
Often in meetings artists talk a lot (instead of listen), explain explain explain (because they long to be understood), and then wonder why it wasn’t a beneficial meeting (no action).
I don’t have to understand you to act on your behalf. I simply need to learn what you need.
If my job is making sandwiches at a deli, the best thing you can tell me is that you need a turkey sandwich, rather than explaining how you got to be as hungry as you are and then walking away forgetting to order the sandwich. The explaining only distracts us from what you need and what I do.
The quest to understand or be understood can be a hindrance to action.
***Don’t get me wrong, both trains of thought are useful.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com