Reasons People Don’t Listen
- Fear of being wrong
- Fear of criticism
- Impatience
- Inexperience or lack of skill
- Lack of trust
- Laziness or indifference
Case Study: Sarge’s Story
Sarge is a retired military drill sergeant. He was effective and paid while in the service. He travelled the world, believing others were inferior. It kept him safe during his tours in war zones, but it also kept him isolated. He can’t connect easily to civilians, including his own family. His marriage fell apart, and he has had a difficult time finding work he enjoys.
At work, he often says sexually and racially inappropriate things. He dismisses anyone who challenges him as a “snowflakes.” He has been smart enough not to write his opinions on social media, but a few of his co-workers have had enough. I’ve been asked to train him to listen with his third ear, or more compassionately.