Being self-aware is something that I work hard on every day. Years ago I realized that I (and everyone else) talks too much and that we need to all be quiet and listen.
I must be an active, patient, and thoughtful listener. I must listen for understanding both with my ears and my eyes.
And, when I do make a decision to open my mouth, I need to think deliberately about what I’m going to say, how I’m going to say it, what the context is, the content of the message, the primary (and sometimes secondary audiences), the tenor and tone I’m going to take and the timing.
And as one of my former bosses once said, “Junior, never miss the opportunity to shut the #$% up”. Great advice.
The Author is currently serving as an active duty military officer. Any comments or recommendations on this post or on this site are solely my personal views and do not represent the position of any branch of the United States Government.