Please, Tell Me More

I have a lot to say.  I’ve had lots of years to think: I have lots and lots to say!  However, today l’m learning to listen. My reasons:

• Telling you what I know can set you back on your journey (rather than helping you get ahead as was my intention).
• My experience helped or hindered me due to my F’s: filters, failings, and family.  I’ll share some but only if you ask. (Your F’s aren’t mine)
• When you tell me your problems, you need understanding more than my solutions. The processing alone often clears the messy mind, enabling solution-oriented ideas to sprout from within.
• I don’t need to “one up” with my story.  Our communication shouldn’t be competitive.
• “What do you think?” doesn’t necessarily mean “Help me.”  It might mean, “Am I making sense?”
• I want to ask questions to draw out your thoughts.Those are more productive than my lectures.