The power of simple listening

Earlier this week I was given a 'damn good listening to'. There was something big playing on my mind and I wanted to work it out.

I bumbled and rambled for around 90-minutes. My listener offered me time and space to think things through. Perhaps 3 or 4 times they asked - carefully chosen - questions. Primarily they listened. No techniques. No summarising. No interrogation.

During the meeting unspoken thoughts emerged from my mind. I understood what had been holding me back. I saw my goal and the changes I needed to make.

The quality of listening amplified my trust. I felt safe to say things out loud that both surprised and embarrassed me. And by the end I had a fresh perspective.

It was like I'd been on a journey, ending back up at the same place but, with the fog now lifted, there was a completely different vista.

Simple listening can do that.