Here is an insight that often eludes us. Human beings can analyze or empathize, but they can’t do both at the same time. This fact is why highly analytical people are typically poor listeners. We can’t both listen to understand the feelings involved and make judgments about what is being said at the same time. The most brilliant among us fall prey to this dilemma more often than others.
Sometimes, I will ask the person is this a conversation you want me to listen to or help you solve a problem. Probably better to just listen in the first place and perhaps take note from ADL lessons, Keep Your Opinions to Yourself and Throwing Problems back. It is hard to do because I take pride in solving problems. But as Marcellus Wallace would say, "That's pride 'messin' with you Dave!".
Sometimes, I will ask the person is this a conversation you want me to listen to or help you solve a problem. Probably better to just listen in the first place and perhaps take note from ADL lessons, Keep Your Opinions to Yourself and Throwing Problems back. It is hard to do because I take pride in solving problems. But as Marcellus Wallace would say, "That's pride 'messin' with you Dave!".