To be completely honest and transparent, I am often guilty of talking too much. A perfect is example is when I feel anxious about imparting parental wisdom to my fourteen-year-old son. I notice my heartbeat rapidly increasing, my brain starts to swirl and my mouth move as if on autopilot with my words just tumbling out.
During a recent conversation, my son immediately protested, “Mom, stop talking, I can’t hear what you’re saying. I stopped listening to you five minutes ago.” Guilty as charged. I chalk this up as a humble leadership growth opportunity. ; )
I’ve been reflecting on the acronym WAIT. Why Am I Talking? Often, I’m talking simply because I feel tense and I want to rescue those involved and quickly eradicate my internal feelings of discomfort.
I have a leader that I work with who listens intently while quietly taking in what everyone is saying. When he (eventually) is moved to speak he chooses his words slowly and thoughtfully - without any charged emotion. When he speaks you can feel others leaning in to listen to and receive his insight and wisdom. Absent is any efforting or forcefulness on his part.
My communication intention this week is to wait and pause while allowing my internal feelings of discomfort to rise and settle before speaking. Waiting and pausing is the gateway to meaningful connections and miraculous outcomes - one conversation at a time.
PRACTICE FOR THE DAY
Wait before you speak.
“If you just communicate, you can get by. But if you communicate skillfully,
you can work miracles.” – Jim Rohn

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