I’m thrilled that StoryCorps has declared November 28 a National Day of Listening. Their campaign is directed at listening to the stories of the people in our lives – and perfectly placed immediately following Thanksgiving. Check out their web site. They even have a tool kit to assist in generating questions.

All of us – whether we’re listening to someone’s story, their frustrations or their joys, can do a better job of listening. Try these behaviors on for size and see if you don’t learn a thing or two as you listen:

1. Suspend judgment: turn off the chatter in your head that is continually judging what the other person is saying;
2. Give the gift of your presence: give in to the moment by being totally available and receptive in mind, body, and spirit;
3. Allow your curiousity to take over: start by asking open-ended questions that begin with the word “what”.

Slow down over this holiday, and enjoy the listening and stories. Then bring your new skills back into the workplace on Monday morning!