johnmdemarco posted on December 11, 2009 12:31
During an enjoyable presentation at the Tennessee Coaches Alliance (TCA) holiday luncheon today at Vanderbilt, a group of people who love to talk—but are paid to listen—were encouraged to W.A.I.T.
W.A.I.T. = “Why Am I Talking?”
“Give the gift of listening,” the humorous, creative speaker,
Sandra Wimpelberg, encouraged us at the conclusion of a 20-minute presentation geared around the amusing distinctions between the vocabulary of her native Scotland and our American verbiage. To listen, she continued, is to truly love someone.
The W.A.I.T. approach is a great test of personal accountability. In every interaction we have with people at work, home or in the community, the W.A.I.T. test manifests itself. Our culture tends to toss words around rather carelessly during the interplay of persons exchanging information but often failing to truly listen to each other.
Purposeful talking is a phrase that comes to mind this afternoon after sitting through Sandra’s presentation. What is the true purpose of my words in this present moment—is it to promote myself, defend myself, protect myself…or to add meaningful caring and insight toward an individual whom I have truly heard and sought to understand?
Presence is indeed one of the best presents you can receive. It’s more rare and valuable than most of what is in demand on the marketplace today. Yet, it cuts across all socio-economic boundaries, because anyone who wants to can offer it.