The five stages of listening

1. Blocking out

ie, noise cancelling headphones, removing ability to receive any input

2. Perception:

ie, hearing but giving no attention, hearing a car drive by but not paying attention to it. A child can hear a mom call their name, but pay no attention.

3. Attention

Physically showing interest, but cognitively thinking about something else.

4. Interested

Cognitively thinking about what is being said, asking follow up questions, but also having interests and thoughts about other things as well.

5. Focused

Committed, engaged. Helping the person who is talking feel like they are the only person in the room. Listening to their whole being with your whole being.

Mastering this spectrum unlocks depths of human connection unknown to most people.

It’s harder, and it’s worth it.