Listen up!

I have lost count of how many interviews I have done over the years. As the interviewer, my role is to identify the right candidate for the job. That is done through observation, asking questions and listening. The prospective candidate’s role on the other hand is to put their best foot forward, to show that they are that person. That means demonstrating that they have the right skills and behaviours.

One of those behaviours is communication with listening being key. What I find interesting is that many will say listening is important and yet they don’t actually demonstrate it throughout our conversation. In other words, they don’t “walk the talk.”

Listening-not as easy as it sounds. Why is that? We lead busy lives and have a lot going on. Distractions surround us and pull us away from focusing. I know that at any given time I have work and personal issues running through my mind. The red light on my Blackberry is flashing, the phone is ringing, the radio or TV is on, or perhaps it’s simply that something catches my eye. Sound familiar?

Today we are reminded to truly stop and listen to the message. Living the life that is being asked of us would be a confirmation that we have done just that.

Dear Lord, I am listening. Amen. — DR