Are You a Listener or Debater?
Are you a debater? Do you love to argue opposing viewpoints or opinions just to get your conversational juices flowing?
I never really saw myself like this… until I heard about the idea of “listening to agree” and it stopped me in my tracks.
Because as much as I like to think that I’m a pretty agreeable person, hearing about “listening to agree” made me really take inventory on how often I’m listening and noticing things I’m on the same page with others about and how often I’m listening to disagree or share my opinion (without really fully waiting my turn).
Over the past month, in conversations with my husband and kids, I’ve been slowing down to observe (and take) opportunities to really express agreement. Not in a fake or insincere way… but in an “I’m really listening to what you have to say and just realized we’re on the same page about ______ (insert topic/opinion) and I want to share that with you”.
And you know what??
It feels great.
It feels so great to….
Practice the art of listening to agree, not listening to disagree.
Why? Because I’m realizing the more I listen to agree, the more I see all the ways I’m on the same page with my husband… and sometimes with my kids (just being honest here, they’re young and a bit nutty).
The more I listen to agree, the more I feel connected, grounded, and excited about what he and I are creating… together.
And I want that for you too. I want you to practice the art of listening to agree, so you too can find the evidence that shows you how much you’re on the same page AND the same team.
You so got this,
-A