How are you listening?

Listening is one part mechanics, one part skill, one part art. The skill techniques and emotional art get most of the attention, but breakdowns in listening begin with the neglect of basic mechanics.

Mechanics are the building blocks. Keep them in place at all times. You’re never good enough to ignore the mechanics of listening: Ask questions, be quiet, repeat what they said, and confirm if what you heard is what they meant. 

These simple and obvious mechanics are overlooked and under-appreciated. That only makes them more important and more valuable to you in your relationships.

Discipline is the shortcut. Do the work