The Importance of Listening

The Power of Silence

I've always been naturally chatty but have discovered over the past few years that it may be time to put silence to use in the workplace. As a performer and speaker, you want to use personality to connect with an audience. However, there are times when silence is more effective.

I've especially noticed the last few supervisors I've had used few words. It drove me nuts because I never knew what they were thinking or how to connect with them. I didn't know if it was their personality or a management style. Whatever the reason, it has caught my attention and made me more curious.

I've come to the conclusion that for myself, I need to put it into practice with co-workers anyway. I can be chatty with those who are friendly but hold back with others. You can't take words back so better to have not said anything than to have it used against you later. Others may feel free to speak foul but I don't need to. I also need to stop any gossip the second I recognize it and not even listen to it.

My biggest downfall has always been not being able to hold back the look on my face. It's embarrassing. There is hope. At least I can start by holding back on words.

There was a time I was really into positive thinking. The challenge lately has been being in an environment that was negative. It's easy to think positive when you're surrounded by like-minded people but hard when you don't fit in. I don't want to fit in. I want to do what's right.

I've always loved motivational speakers but am intrigued by the influence I've observed by silence. I want to know what I'm missing and what I should be looking for.

There have only been three times I was silent and they were profound. The first time was with a suicidal girl I came across and it saved her life. The second time was before giving a talk with female inmates. It gave me my opening line just by listening to their conversations. The third time was sitting in the back of a room as a new employee and gathering my first impression of what I was in for. That's all it took and my conclusion was correct. I didn't stay there long.

I probably will always be chatty but I am willing to learn new techniques.

By Laura M Schroeder | Submitted On December 03, 2017

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