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Practical Steps to Success #4: Listen for the Pregnant Pause

Practical Steps to Success #4: Listen for the Pregnant Pause

A large portion of the population today are ‘plugged in’, getting to and from their work place each day. It has become routine to see everyone connected to another world while going about the daily mundane chores. Perhaps, some are enhancing their lives with ‘background’ noise. Perhaps, this is becoming too much of a social norm.

As an observer, I wonder while I cross the street: If I ask for directions, would you be able to hear me? If I asked for help would you be able to help me? Hello. If you are ‘plugged into your screen’, you can’t see me or hear me!

There has to be a balance.

When you are ‘on-the-clock-working’, you want to perform your best (Why wouldn’t you?), so, you may have to park some of these habits. I agree one needs to ‘shut out’ the distractions to get things done, but isn’t this a little extreme?

By taking an interest in someone, or a conversation, it shows respect for that person and their experience. Ask yourself; am I really listening to others?

Take a moment to unplug and engage with your colleague. Actually stop clicking, diverting, re-tweeting, and just listen. Stop. Don’t comment or interrupt. Just listen. This can be referred to as the ‘pregnant pause’. Then wait 3 more seconds to give that person the time to get their point across or explain an idea. Listen.

Giving someone exclusive attention may provide you with a new point of view, or give you the information you need. Don’t lose this skill.

Communications can break down whether you are working with children, veterans, scholars, your boss or a spouse.

Mutual respect can be revealed in many ways; listening to others can be a great start to a great future.

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Kathryn of Kathryn Wilking Designs is an Author and Feng Shui Consultant. Her recent book; Practical Feng Shui for the Office, is available in e-book and paperback. Check out amazon.com, indigo.com or iuniverse.com

There are more Practical Solutions for Life at kathrynwilking.com

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About Kathryn Wilking

Author, Home Stager, Feng Shui Consultant

Kathryn has inspired women for more than a decade to take charge of their lives; arranging their environment, home and office, to support a positive, prosperous lifestyle. She provides informative tips and talks to organizations and small groups through her Facebook Group and Blog Posts and recorded podcasts. Contact her today for more info about bringing the practical application of Feng Shui into your space.

Her book, Practical Feng Shui for the Office; never goes out of style!
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