Listen...to the research

👂🏽 Listen Up: 3 Ways to Be a Much Better Listener 🎯

Most of us think we’re good listeners—but if we’re honest, we’re often just waiting for our turn to talk. 😬 We nod, throw in an occasional mm-hmm, and maybe even repeat back what someone just said. But real listening? That takes work. And when we don’t do it well, relationships suffer—whether in ministry, parenting, friendships, or leadership.

So how do we actually get better? The Friendly Mind lays out three powerful shifts that can transform the way you listen:

✅ Make space for silence. Instead of rushing to fill every pause, allow room for people to gather their thoughts. The best insights often come after a moment of quiet.

✅ Listen to understand, not to respond. Too often, we’re mentally crafting our reply before the other person even finishes speaking. True listening means focusing fully on their words, emotions, and meaning—without jumping in too soon.

✅ Respond with curiosity. Instead of giving advice or immediately sharing your own experience, ask open-ended questions that invite deeper reflection. This not only makes the speaker feel heard but also strengthens trust and connection.

Whether you’re leading a ministry, raising teenagers, or just trying to be a better human, these simple shifts can change how you relate to others. When people feel truly heard, walls come down, conversations go deeper, and relationships grow stronger.

Want to start listening better today? Read the full post here. 👏🏾👏🏼