"You aren't listening to me!"

How often has your partner snapped back at you with this one?

Did you know that even the best leaders fail to listen enough [this according to a recent address by church leader Gordon B. Hinckley, 2004 Mission President's Seminar.] If the world's best leaders have a problem with listening, where does that leave you and I?

What does it mean to listen? No, it's not merely looking at her with your mind racing off somewhere else. It is focusing not only your eyes, but your mind on the words, body language and mood portrayed by the person you're interacting with.

So, what keeps us from listening adequately when engaged in conversation?

Lack of time,

Respect,

Love

Or is it just habit?

Whatever the reason, not listening interferes with effective, satisfying, rewarding, not to mention productive communication between life and business partners.

Do this simple exercise the next time you talk with your life or business partner:

1. Pay attention to what is happening while your partner is speaking. Are you physically doing something? Is your mind already thinking of a response or wondering off to what's for lunch?

2. Stop whatever you're doing, give your partner your undivided attention. Focus on what he/she is really saying with words, body language, tone of voice.

Do these two things and you'll be amazed at the increased depth of understanding you achieve.

Real communication begins with real listening.

Enjoy...life is short!

Margrit Harris, Your Relationship Expert, provides Helpful Answers to Tough Relationship Questions for life and business. Business clients include Wachovia Securities, Morgan Stanley and a variety of small business executives. While life clients range from college students to seasoned professionals. Author of StrataTips, practical weekly free Relationship Advice, and the practical self-help ebook Can [I Make] My Partner Change?. Visit StrataTeam's estore today.