On this Valentine’s Day, if you are celebrating with a significant other, consider effective listening as a gift more valuable than chocolates or jewelry. (And that really means something, at least coming from the author of Listen Like a Lawyer.)
A few specifics that might make this day more romantic. These are inspired by some of the tweets and retweets from Listen Like a Lawyer:
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Keep your focus on your partner.
Cognitive control, being able to #focus on one thing that’s important, is essential to every step toward that larger…http://t.co/Hk83rNMyF6
— Daniel Goleman (@DanielGolemanEI) February 12, 2014
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Instead of saying “but” and then clarifying, say “yes and . . .” to keep the conversation going.
Improv workshops can help with listening and collaboration. @fastcompany: http://t.co/r5ZUayazKH
— Listen Like a Lawyer (@ListenLikeaLwyr) February 11, 2014
- When discussing a problem, don’t try to solve it too soon.
Perspective – Don’t jump in and try to solve a problem before repeatedly questioning what the real problem is. http://t.co/Vo3WJKOA1p
— Listen Like a Lawyer (@ListenLikeaLwyr) February 10, 2014
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Come into a room with the attitude of “Ah, there you are!”
There are two types of people –– those who come into a room and say, “Here I am!” and those who say, “Ah, there you are.” via @Fsonnenberg
— Frank Sonnenberg (@FSonnenberg) January 29, 2014
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No conversational “tee-ups” like “I’m just saying . . . .” Please.
Conversational “tee-ups” like “Don’t take this the wrong way…” are doomed to offend. http://t.co/EdmnQ20C6b
— Listen Like a Lawyer (@ListenLikeaLwyr) January 22, 2014
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No “screen face” when you look up from a device.
Looking up with a “screen face” can put others in a bad mood. Making This Holiday Joyful for You & Others http://t.co/nSfa27R8jy
— Listen Like a Lawyer (@ListenLikeaLwyr) November 10, 2013
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If all else fails, try gasping in agreement. Seriously.
If you’re interested in listening even just a little bit, you really need to read this by @RoyPeterClark : http://t.co/HcVVIlM3WG
— Listen Like a Lawyer (@ListenLikeaLwyr) February 11, 2014
Listen Like a Lawyer 