Listening by Robin Sharma

Listening by Robin Sharma

Listening is a skill that often goes undervalued, yet it is fundamental to effective communication. As Robin Sharma suggests, we have been given two ears and one mouth for a reason: to listen twice as much as we speak. This highlights the importance of listening more and talking less, a principle that can greatly enhance our interactions with others. By prioritizing listening, we not only improve our understanding but also show respect to the speaker, making them feel valued and heard.


Honoring the speaker is one of the key aspects of listening. When we truly listen, we show that we respect the speaker’s thoughts and feelings. Instead of rehearsing our replies while the other person is talking, we should focus entirely on what is being said. This way, our responses are more thoughtful and relevant. Additionally, non-verbal cues like nodding can replace unnecessary words, showing agreement or understanding without interrupting the flow of conversation.

Listening also involves empathy, which Robin Sharma refers to as getting behind people’s eyeballs. This means trying to see things from the speaker’s perspective, understanding their emotions and viewpoints. By doing so, we not only build stronger connections with others but also gain valuable insights and information. The act of listening is not just about hearing words; it is about comprehending the underlying messages and emotions.

There are several practical tips for becoming a better listener. One is to stop talking when the listener does not respond for 60 seconds, giving them space to process the conversation. Another is to resist the urge to interrupt, allowing the speaker to complete their thoughts. Taking notes, when appropriate, can also be helpful, as it shows that you are actively engaged in the conversation. Lastly, reflecting before responding ensures that your reply is well-considered and meaningful.

Beyond conversations, listening to music daily can also enhance our well-being. Music has the power to uplift our moods and bring joy to our lives. Building a collection of favorite pieces for different occasions can help us stay connected to positive emotions. By surrounding ourselves with triggers of happiness, like music, we can lead a more fulfilling life. Embracing the Kaizen principle of continuous improvement, we can strive to be better listeners every day, which will benefit both our personal and professional relationships.

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