It is early January and my two American Government & Politics community college classes have started.  And hopefully as you will recall…I start each class with a mini-professional development priority subject to be a focal point throughout the semester.  This semester the target priority area is seeking out and utilizing:  “Listening BOOSTERS!”

Ok…Ok…I can see everyone looking around at each other prepping for a Marv-style definition of “Listening BOOSTERS!”

Well my definition of a “Listening BOOSTER!” is a person…activity…topic or situation that causes you to boost your attentiveness and thereby listen more intently to what is being discussed.  Today I believe that everyone has become listening-numbed in so many ways and in so many situations that we all end up with only half-understandingness (yes that may qualify as a new word!) on the topic at hand.  The result(s) is/are less accurate production/services, less passion about not doing just the minimum at your job and/or less caring about what cool future activities may come your way!

So what can we do to employ different “Listening BOOSTERS!” that will cause all of us to be better listeners?!

First, take a little time and ask yourself what causes you to be a better listener?  Is it:

(And isn’t it interesting to realize that these same causes also can make you a poorer listener?)

Next…attempt to slow down topic discussions and try consider asking quality questions during each conversation.  Also regularly ask yourself why a certain topic is VERY interesting/a priority to others…even though it may not be currently to you.  And third always listen for selective professional development “take-aways” that may help you in the future.

Bottomline:  Most professional discussions are really “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities and will NOT be repeated.  Applying purposeful “Listening BOOSTERS!…during every future opportunity will help all parts of your tomorrows!