:: Morning Motivator ::

"The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention..."
-Rachel Naomi Remen

If you were to poll 100 people, I believe the great majority would consider themselves to be a "Great Listener".  How about you?  When you meet someone, do you listen to what they have to say or just wait for your turn to talk?  It's ok… I do it too. 

Recently, I have been more focused in my efforts to listen effectively.  Here is a method I have been using:

1. Ask a pointed question
2. Allow the other person to think about reply
3. Listen carefully and take notes (very critical to my success or failure)
4. Pause and consider their response
5. Reply accordingly
6. Repeat 1-5

The sooner you grow comfortable with silence – the sooner you will become a top notch listener.  Your reward will be a better understanding of the needs of others (clients, colleagues, loved ones, etc).  Personally, I have found the best way to ensure I "listen" properly is by taking detailed notes around a conversation.  If you do not carry a pen/paper or a BlackBerry device – consider the advantages you may have in doing so and implement this tool …immediately!  (I happen to know a great BlackBerryGuy too)

Side note: Thank you to everyone who sent me an email the last two days inquiring – "where is the morning motivator?"  For all you with the sniffles and coughs – you understand.  I do appreciate each of you for your concern.

Zachary Barker
BlackBerryGuy Division Manager
NationLink Wireless | The BlackBerryGuys
direct | 615.207.2290

Sent to you "on the move" from my media enabled BlackBerry 8830 device.