In America our native tongue is not English. Funny, huh. I speak a version called “Chet,” and you speak some kinda Y.O.U.!
We also don’t actually hear, or receive the words in English. We hear the message based on what we believe about the sender, our history or lack thereof with him or her. And we hear the message with whatever insecurities, fears, and doubts are occupying our minds at the same moment in time. It’s amazing we hear anything that another is sending.
Recently I had the chance to help another hear with a bit more clarity. I helped this human with a word change. Word changes, remember, can make a world of difference.
Instead of hearing criticism, this human began to hear challenge. The sender was trying to challenge them to go deeper because the sender really believed that this high performer wanted more. And, they did. They simply had to get through some noise to hear what was actually being said.
What are you hearing from those that are nearest and dearest to you?
Remember, we tend to hear “histories” of those that have hurt us and oftentimes miss the chance to get better from some of our best builders.
Who knew that speaking and listening could be so complex…
BUILT TO LEAD 
Huh?
Just kidding…nice post, Chester, as per usual.
Here’s a little story: Last week, someone very close to me was sending me the same old irritating signals that she didn’t agree with or support some of the work I was doing that is critically, vitally important to me personally. So I got angry and confronted her in a rude way about it. She burst into tears and said something that pierced me, making an admission for her that was very difficult to reveal: “It’s not that I disapprove of what you want to do, I just don’t understand what you are saying!”
When will I ever learn? My own worst enemy…
Sully thanks for the story and I can relate. We are learning, it’s just that a lot of times it’s imperceptibly slow…