My personal definition of listening is still being developed. However, at the moment it is – being fully immersed in another persons’ perspective.

The key word here is immersion.

What does it mean to be immersed in someone else’s perspective?

I believe it is as devoid as possible of distractions, phones are out of the room, or at least off the table, no laptop in front of you, no note taking at all.

Now obviously there are going to be instances where taking notes is necessary but when possible try immersing yourself in someone else’s perspective and doing away with notes.

 

Even to the point of training yourself to put away mental distractions. Keeping your thoughts and mental rabbit trails at bay to fully understand what others are saying.

Almost like you aren’t thinking, but you are instead focused on completely being in the mindset of the person who is speaking.

When they are speaking you are solely trying to envision where they are coming from with their perspective.

A good analogy is problem-solving. Immature problem solves hear one thing about the problem and immediately diagnose. Whereas more mature problem solvers spend extensive time flushing out the problem, determining the true causes of the problem.

Don’t immediately assume you know where someone is coming from but be intentional by being fully immersed in someone else’s perspective.