In having the honor of mentoring Chiropractors not for nearly 30 years I have had the opportunity to observe patterns that makes some very successful, and other patterns that keeps some stuck or in a rut.  While there are too many such patterns to list here I wanted to discuss one of the more important ones here and that is LISTENING.  Most people, not just chiropractors, do not really listen. I have been guilty of that myself. When someone else is speaking, sharing, or giving advice, we tend to drift off. The most common way we drift is by thinking of what we are going to say next, rather than giving 100% attending to what is being said.  I have done this in board meetings. Rather than focusing on what is being said, my mind races forward to my reply, or what I plan on saying next.      

The net effect of this is we don’t hear what is being said, and of course if what is being said is important, or relates to us, if will have no effect nor will it be effective, because for all intents and purposes, we never heard it in the first place.  Being that it is critical for our relationships and future success for us to listen, it is vital that we change this pattern, and LISTEN.  Here is how:

1-      Present time consciousness.  When in the room or in conversation with someone, don’t drift off. Stay present.  This will take effort to break your prior pattern but it is possible.

2-      Be slow to speak.  I call it the 2 to 1 rule.  Listen 2 times longer than you speak.

3-      Ask questions when the other person is talking, engage.

4-      Don’t feel you have to share everything in one burst, breathe deeply, let the other person share.

5-      When they are done speaking, pause before you talk.

6-      Focus on what the other person is saying, and take action on it. Thank them for sharing.

7-      People know when you drift off, and when you do, they will also.  Keep eye contact, or if you are on the phone,  keep ear contact.

My mom used to tell me there is a reason we have two ears and one mouth.  Actually this is good advice. So this week, work on your listening skills as you do your practice and life will improve.  So will your bank account. (Hint Hint)