Talkaholics

We had a great day today. It included several hours at the pool, a great hike at the top of a mountain with lots of laughing and family time. It even included this little guy (see below) coming up to our chalet. Cool stuff...God is good!
However, this morning started out a bit rocky. We were invited to come hear about the resort which we knew was going to be a time share presentation. As a family, we decided to accept their "bribe" of some money off at the resort plus a free breakfast. It might not have been the best decision we have made this trip.

Dawn (not her real name) was assigned to us as our salesperson. She immediately began talking and did not stop for a couple hours. I seriously fought the urge to ask her how she breathed. She talked non-stop. In fact, at one point she said that she didn't care what we thought of her or even what we did for a living. Being a salesperson myself, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. One of the first things you learn in Sales 101 Class is that you need to build rapport by listening to your prospect.

Molly, my 18 year-old daughter summed it up best, however, when she said, "You know what? As painful as that was I just tried to look at this as a learning experience so that I NEVER talk that much!" Well said!

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.

James 1:19

Pride

Have you ever been so sure you were right that you weren't open to hearing the other side? Pride...an ugly thing.

Have you ever been in that situation and then been proven wrong? Pretty humbling isn't it? I have been here more times than I care to admit. It takes true humility to listen, to really listen to someone when you believe your position is the right one.

Check out this video. Not only will you get a chuckle out of it, but hopefully it will shed some light on how you listen to others, even when you "know" you are right.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19

Are You Listening?

Yesterday I spent some time with someone I have known for a long time discussing Truth At Work. Gary is an extremely successful insurance agent and expert on sales (in fact he does a lot of sales training). He is someone I look up to and respect a great deal. I have always enjoyed being with him.

I left our meeting feeling really good. As I reflected on our time together, I was wondering what it was about Gary that makes me feel this way every time I am with him.

I realized that he is an excellent listener. He doesn't talk much about himself and he is always very interested in me when we are together. That's probably why I always feel so good when I am around him. I guess that also explains why he is so good at what he does!

My dear brothers, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:19