Dear Readers,
I have a confession: sometimes I like to hear the sound of my own voice. Though I work to listen more than I speak, there are moments when I have to remind myself to zip my lips and open my ears. There are also moments when I ignore my own advice, pushing myself too far or talking myself out of what I know to be a good idea. I am thinking some of you can relate.
Most of us know how important to listen to the needs, concerns, and desires of our clients, but we sometimes forget that that it is also essential that we listen to other sounds–those of the movement in our industry, our intuition, and our peers. Experience has shown me that keeping our senses open is an essential component of success, and not just by way of identifying the needs of those we serve.
In listening to our bodies, we know learn just how much we can do. In listening to our intuition, we create more vibrant designs and (hopefully) execute better events. In listening to the vibrations of our industry, we learn how to best navigate through it, and of course, there is always a lesson to be learned from our peers, even if it is what not to do.
I would like to ask all of you if you have a “listening problem” as well and how it has helped or hindered you? What is your advice for listening better? Do you wish your clients would listen to you more?
I look forward to reading your wonderful comments!
Blessings,
Preston
(Photo Courtesy of Pinterest)
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Angela
September 27, 2012
Preston.. in comparison with me, you are a fantastic listener. I am only just learning to be a goo listener as i read that being a good listener is a characteristics of a good leader with charisma…
Navjot Kaur
September 28, 2012
Preston, you are very attentive listener. I have noticed that you leave a mark each time you communicate to the audience. I believe it all about aligning your thoughts-spirituality- priority-ethics- openness-respect.
I feel that listening from outside is onething and listening to the inner voice of client helps to understand the direction it is going to and expression comes later. Is this true on the regular basis. My answer would be depends on a personal level and one tend to listen more to people who we feel connected. Once in a while one has to ask innerself and revaluate our selective hearing skill if this is becoming a hinderance in being effective through different communication channels.
Plant Shed
October 4, 2012
Preston,
This may be controversial, but for those who have trouble listening my advice at least at the beginning would be to…be more selfish. Because the best way to get things you want out of interactions is to be a good listener- people will enjoy your presence more, feel comfortable, and eventually want to please you. In the long run, hopefully what starts as just being smarter selfishness evolves as you realize that listening to what others had to say has contributed to your life beyond just achieving certain ends, that you’ve actually grown. At that point you may find you are listening simply out of habit!
I love your picture choices, by the way! Just learning to use pinterest myself.
Fashion-isha
October 10, 2012
Before I read your blog I just knew you were a fabulous event designer. Now I know you’re a wonderful person as well!
xo
Sharon