Tweet

The Power of Asking People What They Think AND then Really Listening and Hearing What They Say

Written by: Glenn Ebersole

Article Overview: There is tremendous power in asking people what they think. If one is sincere and not only listens to, but also hears the reply. Why not amaze and delight someone today while conducting your business and ask them - "What Do You Think?" and be prepared to receive some insightful and powerful information to help you and your business.

The Power of Asking People What They Think AND then Really Listening and Hearing What They Say

The Power of Asking People What They Think - AND then Really Listening and Hearing What They Say.
By: J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr., Chief Executive of J. G. Ebersole Associates and The Renaissance Group™

It truly amazes me how often in too many businesses there is such an aversion to sincerely asking people (employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, et al) what they think. During my 35 year professional career, I have witnessed countless missed opportunities to gain insight and powerful information in business because someone did not stop and ask "What Do You Think?" Or if they did ask, they "listened" but did not "hear" what the person said. Although many people and businesses tout their ability to "listen," I want to know the more important attribute of whether they also have the ability to "hear."

A reference to Henry David Thoreau was made in one of my business advisory boards while I was facilitating the meeting and asking each business owner there - "What Do You Think?" and then further stating how interested I was in what they thought and how important it was to me. Recently I discovered the source and actual quote from Thoreau and want to share that with you.

In "Life Without Principle," Henry David Thoreau stated ..... "The greatest compliment that was ever paid to me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer. I am surprised, as well as delighted, when this happens, it is such a rare use he would make of me as if he were acquainted with the tool" ......

There is tremendous power in asking people what they think. If one is sincere and not only listens to, but also hears the reply. Why not amaze and delight someone today while conducting your business and ask them - "What Do You Think?" and be prepared to receive some insightful and powerful information to help you and your business.

And in the spirit expressed by Henry David Thoreau, I do value what you think and would like to ask you - "What Do You Think about this newsletter?" Please let me know by contacting Glenn Ebersole at jgeprman@aol.com. I promise to listen and to hear you.

Related Articles
  The Art of Heart-Listening
  Strategic Communications Dont Just Listen LISTEN HEAR
  BUSINESS / SOCIAL INTERACTIONS (LISTENING
  100 (Or So) Ways to Succeed #102
  Listen to Your Heart

Article Tags:



Related Forum Posts
Women Entrepreneur Tips - Thank you LeoOliveros, I found #4 particularly true in my case: 4. The Enterprise Must Include the Power of Power Networks. As a conductor of your own enterprise, you can not see yourself as a one-woman-show. You must choose to utilize the power people in your life, by asking for help when you need it, and effectively delegating in order to capitalize on your strengths and that of your power network. When certain experts are not represented in your power network, you must actively seek advisors or mentors and develop a team of specialists, so the benefits are received by everyone involved in the power network - the true Power of Power Networks.
Re: what makes you smile ???? - Hearing about a miraculous healing or a huge feat of overcoming obstacles always makes me smile!
Re: How do I find a direct mail list of potential customers - Hi WhyNot, Is it possible there are websites about the Federal Government. It needs to delve into it to find the key person. Listening for once to the news could pinpoint who is really in charge of this department. I wish you wisdom to connect with the right people. Nothing is too difficult, if you put your mind to it. Maybe some one else has a supportive idea.
Re: what makes you smile ???? - Hi Mary Hope all is well... I like this very much [quote="mbrand2222":2jyo77rq]Hearing about a miraculous healing or a huge feat of overcoming obstacles always makes me smile![/quote:2jyo77rq]
Re: How to Get Over Your Fear of Failure, Make Every Second Coun - Hi Evan, I've just been listening to a couple of your MTM videos while packing parcels. I especially enjoyed this one on JKR. Listening to stuff like this while packing orders is one of my better ways of "making every second count!"


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Five keys to business success

E Mail Marketing Campaigns

The Importance of Master Data Management (MDM)

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.