TheMiddleShelf.com

If you are to make a list of the country’s most influential people, who would you include?  For sure, President Obama would make that list.  So would Warren Buffett and perhaps Steve Jobs.  You could argue that Sarah Palin to be on it depending on whether you’re a fan or not.  Now there’s one name that you may or may not have considered:  Oprah Winfrey.

Her success was hugely attributed to her ability to talk.  But Oprah did more of her share of listening.  The application of her ability to listen is obvious on her television show  She is constantly observing and listening to find issues to address on the air.  When she brings experts, celebrities, and authors on her show, she genuinely listens to what they have to say.  Oprah’s listening ability has rewarded her with incredible success and influence.

To improve your listening, consider the following:1.  Schedule time with your network. Spend time listening to your followers, customers, competitors, and mentors.  Make sure that you give enough attention to all four groups on a regular basis.

2.  Meet people on their turf. Find common ground with people.  The next time you meet with a customer or an employee, ask at least three questions about him as a person.  It’s not all about business.  Seek a common ground to build your connection with him.

3.  Practice listening between the lines. Do you really pay close attention to people and what they have to say?  Do more than just grab onto facts.  Start listening not only for words, but also for feelings, meanings, and undercurrents.

A lot of voices are clamoring out there for your attention.  As you think about how to spend your listening time, keep in mind that you have two purposes for listening:  to connect with people and to learn.

“I remind myself every morning:  nothing I say this day will teach me anything.  So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.” – Larry King