ExtraOrdinary Assistance

This summer I got two lessons in listening from two smart, articulate and personable women. In both cases, the women appeared to be listening to what I was saying, but in reality, neither of them really heard me. Let me explain.

In both cases, I told both women what it was that I wanted from each of them. The first woman not only did what I told her to not do, but she continued to do what I’d told her to stop doing even after I put my request in writing.

The second woman, a financial advisor, recommended an investment strategy that was exactly opposite what I’d told her I was looking for even though I’d spent a half-hour telling her what I wanted from my investments.

I understand the excitement that comes from being able to demonstrate one’s expertise to a prospective client, but I hope that the next time someone asks me if I can do X, Y and/or Z that I remember to *hear* what’s being said to me, and to not get all caught up in the excitement of the moment and ignore what the prospective client is truly telling me.

What about you? Do you really hear what your clients and prospective clients are saying to you, or do you get so caught up in demonstrating your expertise to them that you’ve forgotten or ignored their conversation? Do you find yourself having to repeat your instructions and/or needs to your vendors? Do you have a listening/ hearing story of your own to relate? Let me know.

Until the next time…………