listeningThe experts say we begin hearing sounds at the 18th week of pregnancy, and we are able to hear well from the moment we are born. Given that, you could say we have been listening our whole lives. But there is a difference between being able to hear and listening. And there is an even bigger difference between being able to listen and choosing to. How often do you listen like you mean it?

That is the title of Ximena Vengoechea’s new book, Listen Like You Mean It: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection. We have a blind spot about listening, because we are all capable of doing it. But this book tries to sell us on why it is so important to listen right in the title – the goal is connection. This book gives you tangible ways to improve in every piece of the listening process after selling you on the value of and importance of listening.

The last year has certainly proven that connections are important, and perhaps we used to take them for granted. This book will help you build or rebuild those connections. You will learn to apply your sense of hearing to the mechanics and purpose for truly listening.

I’ve read several books and countless articles about listening over the years. This book is the best at providing concrete examples of how to apply listening in communication, trust, and relationship building. I recommend it highly.

You can start improving your listening skills even before your copy arrives on your doorstep. Dip into the ideas and insights from the book by listening to my podcast conversation with Ximena on The Remarkable Leadership Podcast. Listen on your favorite podcast app, or watch or listen from here.

Want more articles like this?

Subscribe to any of our e-newsletters to get them delivered directly to your inbox.

Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

Share your thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}