Ask the Readers takes a break while I’m on the road. Instead, I’m featuring guest posts.
Today’s comes from my friend Bryan over at Income Surfer. Bryan is one of those people that I wish lived on my street. When we get together, we talk about real estate, Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, battery technology, annual reports and the future of energy. Bryan is far more knowledgeable than I, so
halfmost the time, his words go right over my head. Once in a while a nugget sinks in though and I’m a better person for it.I hope you enjoy Bryan’s post today!
In the age of social media and sound bites, it may seem like the art of listening has lost its value. I personally believe that these type of interrelationship skills are more important than ever, especially if you want to stand out. Anybody can text instructions to their subordinate or email a report to their boss, but how many people take the time (or invest the energy) to sit down and have a meaningful conversation with someone?
The reasons why not, are many. Most people are too busy……… too scattered…. too connected…..or simply afraid of rejection and being vulnerable? Those are all legitimate concerns. Our modern lives are often busy, and leave us feeling too scattered or connected to our electronic leashes. Our society also looks down on vulnerability, as a weakness, but when it strikes the right balance I would say that vulnerability is a strength. Vulnerability not only shows others that you are human, but the times when you feel vulnerable are also those times when you have stepped outside your comfort zone. A perfectly pragmatic example of vulnerability being a good thing is the fact that only one of the 11 jobs I have had since I was in high school was an advertised job opening. Each of the other 10 were the result of either networking with my contacts or being actively recruited. I was vulnerable when I wrote a letter of interest, saying that I was seeking a new opportunity. I was vulnerable when I called up an acquaintance, and asked for a meeting. What’s more, the one job I actually “applied” for was the absolutely terrible government job that I quit in February 2016. This is a very practical way of showing the value of relationships, to even the most hardened human.
There is another reason that deep human conversations are part of Mrs. IS and my efforts to live intentionally. You may be thinking that such things wouldn’t be as important to us, while we are living our version of FI…… but you would be wrong. The fact of the matter is that we are passionate about learning. I couldn’t stop learning if I wanted to…. which obviously I don’t. I am voracious book worm, and here is a list of some of my favorites. My brain is just wired with a natural curiosity wherein one answer leads to another question, and each book suggests new subjects to learn about. I really enjoy seeking out information and comparing/contrasting dissimilar systems.
A life properly lived is learning, learning, learning, all the time. –Charlie Munger (2017 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting)
What do deep human conversations have to do with learning? Simple, other people have so much to teach us. Most others know at least one thing that you don’t know, and vis versa. Each and every person has been shaped by their experiences…..and we can learn from those experience and that person’s own thought processes. Further, we understand that person better when we understand about their past journey and future goals. Such insights were invaluable to me in my various managerial and entrepreneurial roles….. and is just as important to me whether I am meeting fellow travelers or discussing work with my few remaining clients. I am not saying it’s a perfect system, but there is much to be garnered by listening.
The Chinese philosopher Laozi is credited with saying:
A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.
(As an aside, have you ever wondered about the authenticity of this translation? I can’t imagine that the Chinese were even aware of a “mile” as a unit of measurement in 604 BCE.) No matter, the point is the same. All long journeys start somewhere and require first steps. Likewise, I would suggest that all meaningful relationships start somewhere…… often with a first question or introduction. For the sake of this conversation, lets leave romantic relationships out of the mix. Let’s instead focus on friendships and business colleagues.
A good example is my business mentor. He was a client of the engineering firm I worked for after college. He was a moderately wealthy man who ran a fist full of family controlled businesses. His development and home building businesses stood out to me because they weren’t huge publicly traded companies, like our other clients. Additionally, they seemed to be showing much more restraint in the heady times real estate bubble of 2005. I wanted to know why.
Eventually, I wrangled an opportunity to talk to him for a few minutes. I think I was delivering some forms for his signature. I didn’t know anything about the land development business, but I knew that I wanted to learn. I stumbled through a nervous introduction while he stared awkwardly. I explained that I am much more interested in business and investing than civil engineering, and I wanted to learn about his business model and structure. I also said that his companies appeared different than our other clients, and I was curious about why. After about a minute he put me out of my misery and told me to contact his assistant……suggesting he’d take me to lunch a couple weeks out. Sure enough, we had that lunch and I have learned a ton from our friendship over the last 12 years.
I know right now my introvert friends and family are cringing…..right Benny and Tabby? I get that, so maybe you weren’t born an extrovert….. but that’s no reason you shouldn’t make the effort. Even if you only do it for selfish reasons, like wanting to understand your colleagues and clients better, make the effort. What’s more, you can train yourself to function as an extrovert. Mrs. IS is an introvert by nature, from a family of introverts…… but she has taught herself to function very well as an extrovert. Past jobs, such as when she was a hospice chaplain, required her to have intense discussions with a couple dozen strangers per day. The process would exhaust her and drain her of energy, but she learned to do a great job. You can also!
An introvert learning to function as a extrovert is a personal transformation, and beyond the scope of this conversation. What should be apparent however, are all the benefits of learning to be a good listener. Think of what you can learn, and how much better you can understand the people in your life. Think you don’t have time?! Nonsense, and I suggest you make time. If you really understand what your spouse, friends, and team members need/want….. you can make better decisions about helping them get those things.
Ways to be a better listener
- Give the other person your full attention. That means you should try to ignore the cell phone and your own “to do” list, and pay attention when you are talking with them.
Take notes, either mentally or physically. While you may not always have a pen and paper handy…..some of the best thinkers I know ALWAYS carry a note pad. (As an aside, every beer I have ever had with Mr. 1500…..and every Berkshire Hathaway meeting we’ve enjoyed together….. he took notes in his notebook.) Likewise, Mike and Bjorn (two of my other buddies) each take constant notes in their smart phones. My notes are usually about things I want to look up, or spend more time thinking about……. but you can focus on whatever you want.
- Look for common ground in the other person’s story. Listen especially for experiences or goals that you have in common with the subject person. People establish understanding and trust more quickly when they can identify commonalities like experiences or goals.
- When you recognize that something is very important to the other person, repeat that thing back to them in the form of a question. This shows that you are listening and deeply engaged in the conversation. It will also help you remember, and flush out any misunderstanding if you are incorrect.
My challenge to you is this. Take the time to seek out meaningful (and intentional) conversations with people that you find wise or interesting. You’ll be glad you did!
Thanks so much for the post today Bryan! My favorite line is this one:
I really enjoy seeking out information and comparing/contrasting dissimilar systems.
From this point on, I’m going to refer to Bryan as Charlie Munger Junior. And that is the highest honor I can bestow on a fellow thinker!
Don’t forget to pay Bryan a visit over at Income Surfer!
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Mustard Seed Money says
I try to keep an open door policy at work and along with that try to summarize the conversation at the end to try to ensure that I heard everything that the person had to say. That way a crucial detail to them wouldn’t have been left out by me. It’s worked pretty well over the years but I still know that I have a long way to go.
Mustard Seed Money recently posted…How Birth Order Can Affect Your Pay
IncomeSurfer says
Recapping at the end is a great way to be sure you caught the key details. Thanks for sharing MSM!
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Mrs. Adventure Rich says
I really like the idea of having a physical notebook or notepad to take notes while conversing with someone. If I have my phone or computer up to take notes, I will typically get distracted. But a blank page and a pen has been really helpful as I try to actively listen in different situations. It eliminates the temptation to browse and also aids in avoiding other distractions (people walking by, noises, etc). I think I will always need to work on improving my listening skills in some way! 🙂
Thank you for the reminder this morning!
Mrs. Adventure Rich recently posted…Why We Rolled Over a 403(b) to a Vanguard IRA
IncomeSurfer says
I’m glad you enjoyed the post Mrs. AR!
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
FullTimeFinance says
Step four is especially important. Try to judge the message by the words not what your brain thinks is about to be said. Asking clarifying questions can ensure you determine what was really meant.
Mr. Freaky Frugal says
Which is the step that I usually fail on. I’ve already interpreted what they said and I’m thinking about my reply instead of trying to clarify.
I’m not a good listener unless I really concentrate. 🙂
Mr. Freaky Frugal recently posted…The shocking Rule of 25
IncomeSurfer says
Absolutely FTF! With some of my former employees, that simple step also allowed them to feel that I had really heard them…..and by extension, that I cared enough to listen. A win-win
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Mrs. Picky Pincher says
Oh yeah, you can still have great interpersonal skills as an introvert. I absolutely hate talking to people, but that can really be an advantage. If you let the other person talk more, you’re able to glean more information anyway. 🙂
Mrs. Picky Pincher recently posted…What A Frugal Weekend! July 23
IncomeSurfer says
A very good point Mrs. PP! Plus, we were given two ears…..and one mouth 🙂
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Mr. Tako says
Very few people truly listen anymore, you’re definitely right about that… and those are some great tips for being a better listener.
But, it also sounds like you’re telling introverts they have to be extroverts to be better listeners … and it will make them ultimately more successful. Really?
Mr. Tako recently posted…Are The Investing Storm Clouds Gathering?
IncomeSurfer says
Thank you Mr. T, but I’m really sorry that’s what you took away from the post.
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Mr. Smart Money says
I wish I knew the value of listening during my younger years, who knows how much better off I’d be?! Seems like it’s something you learn over time as well, speak less, listen more.
Mr. Smart Money recently posted…Coinbase Review 2017 (3 Reasons Why I Use It)
Incomesurfer says
Haha, I think most people feel that way. Most selfaware people anyway. Each of us has our own version of what success looks like to us. “If only I’d known then, what I know now….. ” 🙂
-Bryan
Incomesurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Mrs.Wow says
Whenever I travel, I always have a journal that I jot down anything and everything in. From experiences, places to go, things to see and also people’s email/contact info that I meet on the road. I absolutely love having it to look back on and see what I was thinking or experiencing at that moment. I definitely think I should carry one with me every day, regardless if I am traveling or not. Not only will it help me remember things, but also facilitate a more intentional and purposeful life.
IncomeSurfer says
Exactly! Thanks for sharing such a great tip Mrs Wow 🙂
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
IncomeSurfer says
Thanks for inviting my guest post 1500s! While I totally think you oversold me, I always enjoy getting together as well. I hope you guys are having a great trip. See you at Denver Startup Week.
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
theFIREstarter says
Loving your work here Bryan!
I’d like to think I’m a good listener but some of these tips are definitely worth thinking about next time I’m in an interesting conversation. Sometimes I can interupt people, Normally to make a silly joke or something (not always appropriate!)
IncomeSurfer says
Haha, I’m glad you enjoyed the post and found it relevant. We all have things we can work on FIREstarter! Cheers
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Duncan's Dividends says
I love the idea of carrying around a book, I’m just terrible with it in practice. I error on the digital side of things and would likely easily be distracted by other things if I carried a tablet or anything else.
IncomeSurfer says
Thanks for your comment Duncan. You can always find what works best for you. Just don’t leave your notebook behind like Mr 1500. I wonder if he has a story there…….
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Owen @ PlanEasy says
That’s a great reminder. I’m an introvert by nature but try to put myself out there as much as possible. Getting started is the hardest part.
I want to know more about your friend, the real estate business owner, why did he not go crazy in 2005?
Owen @ PlanEasy recently posted…Hobbies That Make Money – Earn Extra Money To Go Towards Debt, Retirement Or Fun Stuff!
IncomeSurfer says
We all have our own struggles Owen. I hear you there. As for my friend and mentor….eventually I learned that it was a combination of experience, forethought and a little bit of luck that allowed him to sidestep the collapse. Turns out that his companies were greatly harmed by the last major real estate collapse we had in Florida, back in 1990ish. So he pulled in his horns in 2006, even selling some projects at a loss, and waited.
He took a lot of flack from his friends and some of my other clients. Remarkably, when the smoke cleared many of his competitors were out of business. On top of that, the Fed’s easy money brought his customers back in droves…..and his companies were able to grab more marketshare and have been margins.
I had to ride through the collapse either way, but I was blessed to have a front row seat!
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Dividend Growth Investor says
Sorry, what were you saying?
Billie Jean says
Great post Bryan!
Have you read Daring Greatly by Brene Brown? I just finished it. It basically sums up her research findings related to vulnerability and engaging with the world. Your second paragraph sounded straight out of the book!
IncomeSurfer says
I’m glad you enjoyed the post Billie Jean. I have not read Daring Greatly, but she has been recommended to me. A life coach friend of mine is a huge fan, and she’s on my list. I think your comment just bumped her a little higher on my reading list. Thank you 🙂
-Bryan
IncomeSurfer recently posted…Real Estate Update and Reads
Kalika says
happy to join your community, there are many useful and interesting information!
Daphne says
If I have my phone or computer up to take notes, I will typically get distracted.