Listening

“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen.”  -Ralph Nichols

My quote for the week is about listening because who among us does not need reminding to do just that…whether it is with our partners, our parents, our children, the neighbor, our workmates. Perhaps the most difficult stretch is to listen to those who disagree with us with the sole intention of learning. I also chose this quote because it gave me the opportunity to highlight the work of Ralph Nichols, known as “the father of the field of listening” who died in 2006. Dr. Nichols was a pioneer who created a curriculum in listening, teaching students for more than forty years at the University of Minnesota and inspiring researchers to advance the study and teaching of listening. He was also inspirational in the creation of the International Listening Association founded in 1979 to promote  and teach effective listening. In an interview with Dr. Nichols at the age of 96, he offered the world very sage wisdom. His advice for our planet: “With mankind’s need to understand and be understood…we need to enhance listening in every corner and quarter of society. Action is the key. With ongoing conflict around the globe, the pressing need for understanding is greater than ever.”