tangophilia blog

A good follower exemplifies the qualities of being a good listener: someone who listens and responds to the speaker with full attention rather than simply waiting for his or her turn to speak.

• A good listener is comfortable saying “I didn’t understand,” instead of responding to a half-heard statement.
• A good listener waits patiently and calmly while the speaker assembles his or her thoughts.
• A good listener can listen without expressing judgment.
• A good listener will let the speaker follow the train of thought and arive at the conclusion with the speaker instead of jumping to the conclusion ahead of the speaker.
• A good listener can tell the difference between what a speaker says and what a speaker wants, and can respond appropriately to what the speaker actually said (and can exercise discretion in responding to what the speaker wants).
• A good listener understands that the things left unsaid don’t all require a response.
• A good listener can exercise these skills regardless of the quality and talents of the speaker.