This is the second of a series of brief blogs introducing The Relationship Journey in my chapter on Active Listening from The Journey Inside.
| Intention | 1. Preparation | Trust |
| 2. Attention | ||
| 3. Active Listening | ||
| 4. Connection | ||
| 5. Empathy and Building Rapport | ||
| 6. Holding Space and Creating a Safe Place | ||
| 7. Inspiring, Influencing and Achieving Change |
The Relationship Journey
Step 1 – Preparation: understanding the logistics
When Eliud Kipchoge was thinking about running the marathon in under two hours, he knew that he needed to take of everything to make sure he achieved what he set out to achieve. As well as being an accomplished runner, which goes without saying, he made sure he had the best shoes, pacemakers to run in a V-shape to protect him from the wind, a changing supply of pacemakers to make sure they did not get tired, a flat course, and a car in front with a laser making a zone for the front pacemaker to keep within. He went to an extraordinary level of detail to complete an extraordinary achievement.
Whilst our conversations or meetings will not normally require such preparations, although some will, how many of us do less than the minimum preparation and hope to get through by winging it?
For these conversations we would do well to consider, the audience, the ideal outcome, the type of conversation, where this conversation will take place, and is the environment going to be appropriate for what is being discussed.
Finally, ask yourself, “What else?” might be required to achieve your success, and just sit in silence and listen to what arises.
Thank you Chris for your observation. I am in agreement, every layer is a gift, a commitment and a clear message that the speaker and what they say, matter. Colin
Colin
While I following your reading your listening journey. I was picturing each layer as a different and a more precious listening gift your give to a person.