The main objection we get around listening is that it takes too long! It’s true that simply telling someone what to do is quicker – but since there is about one in ten chance that what you say is actually being heard, perhaps the maths doesn’t add up the way you may hope.
Great listening saves you time in the long run. It’s true that sometimes a person just wants to keep talking and this might leave you feeling you have no room to assist them.
If you notice this, consider some words similar to these:
‘I know there is a lot going on for you right now and so I’d like to ask you in advance. (PAUSE)
There will be times when we have enough information to move forward and I may interrupt you. It is never meant to be rude. Is that okay with you?’
This will become your gold!
Do this up front and its beauty is that it shows great respect while almost always resulting in permission. The other benefit to this statement is simple.
You can now listen intently for those things that are not being said. The story and the distractions can be interrupted because you have permission, with no loss of relationship.