At Results Coaching Global, ya’ll know how often we talk, think and reflect on the critical skill of “committed listening.” We all know our brains are wired to distract us – it’s physical! The good news is that with Time, Attention, Repetition, and Positive Feedback (TARP) we can all become highly skilled at listening.

Let’s be real and honest. Listening to another person is just hard. While we try to listen, our heads come on and our own agendas, our own solutions, or our own ideas go to work. It is indeed, a dangerous combination. Of course, when we are talking, it is very frustrating if we’re not being heard. So what’s the deal? Listening takes discipline and lots of practice. It’s also a mindset to show up for another and be fully present.

CBS Sunday Morning is a show that never fails to offer new learning or insights. Every show holds an eclectic mix of all aspects of life, work, and our world. In this particular episode, it captured complete attention. A successful attorney quit her work to just listen! Wow. How would this happen? You are invited to watch and listen to the segment: Just Listen.

The simple act of just listening allows others to move forward, to be honest, and to discover self. In our world today where we are sharing all the time, are we really listening to each other? Listening is a simple act of kindness to others. Listening sends a powerful message to another – I matter! Someone cares enough to just listen to me. We all now know the power of Status (SCARF), and feeling important enough that someone would just listen, changes the brain. Someone sees me, – I matter!

Cash Nickerson, author of the Samurai Listener says, “Listening helps you handle conflict, express respect and be a better leader. Unfortunately most people don’t remember because they don’t hear it in the first place.”

Good listeners use skills that are similar to techniques used in martial arts, says Nickerson. “A good martial artist senses what someone will do next because they’re receptive and aware,” he says. “Those are all things that great leaders and successful business people tend to do. Most people succeed based on soft skills, and communication–especially listening–is key.”

Listening involves being in the moment, which is connected to martial arts. “When you’re present and in moment, things move in slow motion,” says Nickerson. “You can take everything in. If you’re present you’ll remember everything.”

As Coach Leaders we know the power of listening and we are learning that when we let go of the noise in our head, turn the volume down of our thoughts and solutions, we often find others just needed us to listen as they find their own insights and answers. What a gift! Who would you like to give the gift of fully listening to on this day, this week?

References: Stephanie Vozza, Fast Company; Cash Nickerson, Samurai Listener; CBS Sunday Morning, Results Coaching: Next Steps.