Author: Rick

  • WHICH VOICE DO YOU CHOOSE TO LISTEN TO?

    WHICH VOICE DO YOU CHOOSE TO LISTEN TO?

    A powerful old story captures the importance of the messages that we listen to inside of our heads. An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life: “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.”  It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he…

  • LISTEN LIKE MR. ROGERS

    LISTEN LIKE MR. ROGERS

    On March 20, we celebrate TV personality and Rollins College Alum Mr. Fred Rogers who would have been 86 years old.  He passed away in 2003.  Fred Rogers dedicated his life to serving children. His relentless commitment to all that is best in people led to an astonishing array of honors, from induction into the…

  • LISTENING LEADERS TAKE NOTES

    LISTENING LEADERS TAKE NOTES

    A fundamental tool for listening leaders is taking notes.  Although you may periodically take notes when you are on the phone or in meetings, the majority of leaders normally do not take written notes.    The following 6 suggestions are designed to help you improve your note-taking ability: 1.    Be prepared and decide whether or…

  • HOW TO MEASURE YOUR LISTENING

    HOW TO MEASURE YOUR LISTENING

      “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”  This is one of the most important business quotes from Dr. Peter Drucker, Father of Modern Management.  Dr. Drucker has left us with this sage advice that we can use in any area of life – – – especially with your listening. Too many times,…

  • GET ON THE BALCONY

    GET ON THE BALCONY

    Do you spend most of your time in the ‘DOING’ of life? If so, you are most likely not realizing your fullest capacity.  Consider the importance of GETTING ON THE BALCONY periodically to check out what is happening.  This is all about having a clear perspective in the midst of the action. Here are 4…

  • TRULY LISTEN

    TRULY LISTEN

    If you truly want to manifest the act of love, then listen.  Listen with attention, listen with abandonment of your point of view, listen with total dedication to another’s vision, listen with intent to hear their meanings, their intent not just their world. Truly listen. If you truly want to manifest the act of love,…

  • NO BEAT, NO RHYTHM, NO CONSISTENCY

    NO BEAT, NO RHYTHM, NO CONSISTENCY

    In the film Mr. Holland’s Opus, music teacher Mr. Holland worked relentlessly in helping student Lou Russ, the state wrestling champion, to find the beat on the bass drum so that he would be able to pass the band course. No beat, no pass…. it’s as simple as that.  Eventually, Lou found the beat and,…

  • HELP OTHERS GET OFF THEIR MERRY-GO-ROUND

    HELP OTHERS GET OFF THEIR MERRY-GO-ROUND

    Have you ever had someone tell you the same thing repeatedly and you wonder why they are repeating themselves?  This is called ‘being on the Merry-Go-Round’.  Why do they do this?  There are many reasons including: They don’t think you are listening to them and want to be sure they are making their point They…

  • NEVER PUT YOUR FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH AGAIN

    NEVER PUT YOUR FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH AGAIN

    How many times have you ‘put your foot in your mouth’ and you dearly felt the costs?  Some people try to justify it by saying that their mouth is operating faster than their brain.   The fact is, this dis-ease   can devastate relationships. Here are 5 sure-fire solutions to help you never put your foot in…

  • DON’T THROW THE CHANGE IN THE BASKET TOO QUICKLY

    DON’T THROW THE CHANGE IN THE BASKET TOO QUICKLY

    Many people try to do too many things at one time and then become impatient and try to shorten the listening process.  It’s like trying to throw change into a tollbooth basket and get out of there too quickly.  It doesn’t work.  The bell goes off and you’ve made a mistake and gained nothing in…