Observation requires silence.

Waiting for your turn to talk isn’t the same as observing in silence. True listening means seeking to understand, not just preparing a response.

Jumping to conclusions and reacting impulsively wastes valuable time. Instead, responding with both emotional and intellectual intelligence fosters collaboration and sparks innovative solutions.

To truly listen—and quiet your inner critic—pay attention to tone, body language, and what is both said and unsaid. This awakens curiosity, leading to deeper, more intelligent questions. And with those questions comes the discovery of motive, desire, purpose, and intent.

Curious observation helps bridge misinterpretations and biases. By focusing on feedback rather than assumptions, we create meaningful dialogue that fuels connection and teamwork.

I do my best not wait for my turn to talk but listen to create an engaging and meaningful conversation by being curious. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this practice can be. The insights I’ve gained have been eye-opening. 

And hey—don’t be afraid to test this out on your spouse (hint, hint, wink, wink, nudge, nudge)! You might be surprised by what you discover.