Listen As If Your Life Depends On It

I continue to be amazed at how the many lessons learned on a cold hardwood floor on the 16th floor of Riverside Church overlooking the Hudson River have lent themselves beautifully to my dad-to-day interactions in the world.

This afternoon, I interviewed for a part-time position as a public speaking and creative writing instructor to school children. Asked what the first lesson I'd teach about becoming a more engaging and compelling leader would be. "I'd teach them the importance of listening," I said without hesitation.

Listening, I've learned, is more than processing the words coming out of another's mouth. It means not thinking of what you'll say next. It is about trying to genuinely connect, to understand another's point of view, however contrasting. It means noticing more, talking less, and striving for a more nuanced and flexible way of thinking.

In short, listening is the Appian Way to riches, possibility, and discovery.