Stephen Covey said, “most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply“.
Once you see this tendency in yourself, you will see how common it is. When you have an agenda or you’re trying to make a point with someone else it shows up. Some people only engage in conversation when they have an agenda.
Listening well builds trust and connection, which is the foundation of meaningful relationships. Listening is a skill, and like any skill it needs to be practiced and honed in on.
When you become good at it, you will see others who are good as well.
When someone is really listening to me, I can see it in their eyes. Their eyes soften and they are tuned into you.
The best listeners I’ve ever met are animals… but they didn’t listen to me until I started listening to them. I think there is a something to be learned from that.