Listening Not Telling

The world is full of people telling you what to do. It is almost as though the world is full of inept people with a handful of masters.

But the best teachers are those who listen, not tell.

Allow me to explain.

Our method of teaching has evolved. From gurukuls to schools and from a one-on-one interaction with a teacher to social media.

Social media does not lend itself to listening. It is not a conversation. It is typically a bait asking you an obvious question to which it is unlikely you would know the answer.

“You can die from high homocysteine,” for example.

Since the headline sounds scary, you click and enter the “conversation.”

But it is not really a conversation, is it?

A lecture will follow, reminding you how foolish you are and how the only way to save yourself are to do the five things the guru tells you to do.

The best teachers are the ones who listen.

Each person is unique. Each person’s circumstance at the very least, are unique. The mental space, understanding and capacity to act are unique.

Only by understanding the nuances of these various forces at work in your head, can a good coach decide what needs to be done.

Isn't that essentially the gap that exists between all the knowledge that is already out there and the ability to use it. Our ability to intrepret it to suit us?

I am a huge fan of coaches. I would have one for everything I want to learn if I could.

I know it may seem counterintuitive. I am seeking knowledge and wisdon and here I am saying I want my coach to listen. To me.

But that is the only way the coach can make me better. By applying their knowledge but applying it to my circumstance.

By the way, we are all coaches. As friends, parents, siblings, leaders.

The art of listening and understanding is the greatest skill we possess if we want to teach the other.

PS: My show with Ben Greenfield is live [link here]. Ben is among the world's top health and longevity experts. Do watch and subscribe.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain