08/27/2026
Good listening isn't something some people simply have and others don't. It's something we can learn, practice, and develop.
Last week we thought about what we are listening for. This week let's consider who we are listening to.
How we see the person we're listening to can shape what we're able to hear.
If I view you as an adversary, I may find myself listening for the things that reinforce our differences. If I view you as an ally, I may be more likely to hear the things we have in common.
Seeing someone differently doesn't mean we have to agree with them. But the way we see others can influence our understanding and our ability to collaborate. The good news is that we can become more aware of the way we're viewing the person in front of us.
The next time you find yourself in a difficult conversation, pause for a moment and ask yourself:
“How do I view the person I'm listening to?”
If you realize you're viewing this person primarily as an adversary, ask whether there might be another way to see them. Then notice whether changing your perspective changes what you're able to hear.
You might discover shared interests, concerns, or experiences that were there all along but were difficult to hear through the lens of opposition. And that discovery just might open another path forward.
I'd love for you to continue on this journey with me. And if this reflection connects with your own experience, I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts.
