Thought Tweet #871 In pre-historic times people who didn't listen got eaten...now they are able to roam the streets and work in offices.

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Could it be 21^st Century predators are a forgiving lot of creatures?

Could it be Darwin was wrong?

...survival of the fittest? ... or was it survival of the most adaptable? ... or is it survival of the least able to listen?

Assuming evolution is an accurate theory - and I'm not so sure about that any more - How many generations will it take for human ears to shrink and disappear through lack of use?

Thought Tweet #870 5 reasons to listen: (1) to respond, (2) to act, (3) to understand, (4) because it's your job, & (5) because you like people.

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Most people listen poorly.

It's reciprocal: people don't listen to them so they return the disfavour.

Then there's this pent up ego demand to express thoughts rather than listen to them.

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If we don't relearn how to listen evolution is going to adapt our ears into oblivion.

[One drawback of civilization: people who don't listen no longer get eaten by predators.]

If you want to lead change and influence others to help you achieve the success you desire, consider these things:

• Your Intelligence - This is a tough one! How can you be objective? How can you know whether or not you have the intelligence required to be a successful leader? Here's a few suggestions: (1) view this as a life-long process, work at self-knowledge, & figure out how to measure accurately [then you will be able to apply these things to understanding others], (2) ask for input from others then consider it from different perspectives [as examples, subjectively and objectively], (3) have at least one mentor...intelligence is not fixed - it is something you can expand if you work at it.

• Your Self-Control - There are two dimensions: (1) short-term control over emotions, feelings, thoughts, & actions and (2) 'Grit', the ability to control thoughts and actions so they align with personal Values, Vision, Rules, & Goals. 'Grit', as defined here, is the thing in you that determines whether or not you can illustrate Integrity to others and whether or not you have the conviction required to achieve your Desires.

• Your Talents & Strengths - understand them in detail, use them to perform specific Tasks [Take Talent To Task], align with other people who can cover your weaknesses with their Talents & Strengths...figure out how to effectively Influence those people.

• Your Emotions - Another tough one! Start by defining Emotions and how they differ from feelings, moods, and other mind states. Seek help from others who can observe you in a variety of Situations: under heavy workload, under stress, under assault [for example, while being criticized]. Assessments can help identify your weaknesses. Major weaknesses must be corrected. If they are not you will violate sacred things like Integrity and your stated Values...violations will destroy followers' Trust in a blink. 

• Your Thoughts - Seek Simple, seek clarity, & consider the stories that touch you. Are you naturally optimistic or pessimistic? Work on being more optimistic. Are you naturally interested in other People? Work at being more interested. A leading Attitude is essential. Understand how human brains work. As an introduction: work at improving your ability to focus, initiate, plan, organize, shift, monitor, & regulate.

• Your Desires - these must mesh with your Values, Vision, Rules, & Goals. You must also understand them thoroughly. You must be able to communicate them with ease and with examples [stories work best].

• Your Actions - and the Actions you must do to deliver value, lead others, inspire others, influence others, and help others.