A good follower is a good listener

[pygmalion]

I found this fascinating blog at tangophilia.com Thoughts, anyone?

Good Followers are Good Listeners
A good follower exemplifies the qualities of being a good listener: someone who listens and responds to the speaker with full attention rather than simply waiting for his or her turn to speak.


A good listener is comfortable saying "I didn't understand," instead of responding to a half-heard statement.
A good listener waits patiently and calmly while the speaker assembles his or her thoughts.
A good listener can listen without expressing judgment.
A good listener will let the speaker follow the train of thought and arive at the conclusion with the speaker instead of jumping to the conclusion ahead of the speaker.
A good listener can tell the difference between what a speaker says and what a speaker wants, and can respond appropriately to what the speaker actually said (and can exercise discretion in responding to what the speaker wants).
A good listener understands that the things left unsaid don't all require a response.
A good listener can exercise these skills regardless of the quality and talents of the speaker.

[SDsalsaguy]

I like this a lot Jenn. It really speaks (ouch! :lol:) to the notion of being sensitive and responsive instead of just reacting.

[Swing Kitten]

can I hear an "AMEN!"

[vey]

Thank you, Jenn, great quote!

...A good listener can tell the difference between what a speaker says and what a speaker wants, and can respond appropriately to what the speaker actually said (and can exercise discretion in responding to what the speaker wants)...


Will I EVER get this one :?: :!:

[salsachinita]

Thanks, Jenn......

I am going to print this out and post it around the house so I can remind myself at all times.

Sometimes I'm neither a good listener or a good follower.......but I am striving to be.......hopfully........BOTH.

[pygmalion]

Finally I can use some of the stuff I learned in those endless corporate training classes. I think following is a lot like listening, too.

[Sagitta]

To this I agree wholeheartedly, but a little different then leading, where you do have to listen also. To me it was a little nerve-wracking when I have switched roles with some followers in salsa because they complained. (Actually I knew these people quite a bit and I was teasing her first, so they were trying to give me some of my own medicine!!) I found that I needed a slightly different set of listening skills. Anyway, those followers quickly turned over the leader's role back to me!! :)