I was reading Foreign Policy magazine and stumbled upon an article by Newt Gingrich that caught my eye. A poignant reminder of how important listening is not just in our homes and relationships but on the world stage as well. In "Lend them Your Ear," Newt argues that many around the world have begun to think that America will not even offer them that common courtesy, and that perception hurts our ability to lead.

My dad, who is a public school teacher, always tells me that no one cares what you have to say unless they feel you care about them. The point is that people need to, at the very least, feel that their ideas and voices are being heard. It's not about always agreeing, but about respect.

Also, by getting others' opinions you implicitly enlist them in helping to figure out how we can solve problems together. Newt suggests the next President do a listening tour around the world, asking leaders what they think America can do "to be more effective with its economic, military, and cultural might?" Newt, I'm listening, and finally we agree on something :)

A resolution for 2008 for me--do a listening tour with everyone in my life. Here's a pic to show my bona fides as a listener.

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