What's Your Follow-up?

We sat enjoying coffee, two mates catching up. My mate would ask me a question and immediately start looking around the restaurant. I knew he was not listening to anything I was saying. It's so easy to give people your sincere attention. Sadly, it's something most people crave, but do not get. Here was someone sitting in front of me who was totally disengaged, but would walk away saying it was nice to catch up. Your children, teammates, work colleagues, and friends are craving a good wholesome conversation. Listening for and preparing a follow-up question is a good way to acknowledge what is being said. It acts as a lever to your curiosity so you can discover more about the person you are with. If you are really listening to the other person, look for something you are curious about in their answer and use that to create your follow-up question. It's common just to sit and exchange statements, not listening or paying attention. It's uncommon to follow up. Be uncommon with friends, workmates and family. If the other person is finished with their coffee and you're only one mouthful in, it's probably a good indication that you haven't asked enough follow-up questions. © GB