The Art of Deep Listening

Listening is thought of as a soft skill. Perhaps the softest of the soft skills. What’s the big deal, we might ask? We listen every day. It’s something we learned to do as children and it comes naturally. And yet, I’m going to suggest that it is not that easy.

It reminds me of the story of an older couple who were sitting around watching television. The husband decided to go out for a drive. “Do you want me to get anything while I’m out?” he asked.

“Yes. Get some ice cream. And while you are...