33. How To Be A Good Listener - And Why It Matters

Are you tired of struggling with communication and want to improve your skills? Effective listening can improve just about every relationship. Yet it’s a skill that most of us aren’t taught. You may be familiar with these common approaches we often take when we listen:

• Approach #1: Judging the actions of others. 
• Approach #2: “One-upping” the other person’s problems. 
• Approach #3: Giving advice. 

If so, we’re here to share why they don’t work.  More importantly, we’ll suggest alternate responses that DO build connections as Maria gives us the “Cliff Notes” from her workshop “How to Listen for Real.” Let's break down the barriers to effective communication and learn the importance of listening skills together!

 

When we listen well, we confirm to the other person that what they're sharing is valid. 

- Maria Winters

 

Your takeaways from the show:

• Understand the power of validation in strengthening communication and building lasting connections.
• Spot typical listening pitfalls that hinder meaningful conversations.
• Assess the impact of smartphone addiction on our capacity to truly listen.
• Discover the fascinating world of internal dialogue and the “me channel” and how they can get in the way of focused listening.
• Embrace the importance of cultivating and maintaining exceptional listening skills for thriving relationships.
• Did you have another takeaway you’d like to share? If so, please grab a screenshot of the show, share it on social media, and tag a friend (don’t forget to tag us, too!).

Also, if you found this episode helpful, we’d really appreciate a 5-star rating and review on Apple podcasts so that others may find our show and discover a new way to rebrand wellness!

 

Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

 

• Tara De Leon, Master Personal Trainer

Email: FitnessTrainer19@hotmail.com

Instagram: @tara_de_leon_fitness

• Maria Winters, LCPC, NCC

Instagram: coaching_therapist

FB: MWcoachingtherapy

Website: www.thecoachingtherapist.com

• Elizabeth Harris, MS, RDN, LDN

FB: Health and Healing with Intuitive Eating community https://www.facebook.com/groups/nutritioncoachingwithRDNElizabeth

Instagram: Elizabeth Harris @elizabeth_harris_rd

Freebie: 5-day mini-course, How to Break Up With Dieting For Good: https://elizabethharrisnutrition.com/how-to-break-up-with-dieting-for-good