In the Marvel films, there’s a character called Groot. He’s a walking, talking tree-like thing (it makes sense when you watch it).
And the only words he ever says are “I am Groot”.
It doesn’t matter what someone says to him – his only answer is “I am Groot”.
We’ve all met lots of Groots. You know the type… they lead all conversations with their agenda. Or they pretend to listen to yours, then say theirs anyway.
But the whole point of conversations is that we are supposed to… you know, actually converse. In other words, find what each other’s interested in, and then talk about that.
So, instead of being Groot, be like a doctor. Diagnose before prescribing. Find what’s important to the other person – as in properly find out – and then tailor your response, depending on what they say.
You’d never get a doctor saying to every patient “take the red pills” (or “I am Groot”). Instead, they’d diagnose by asking great questions, and vary their response – the content, delivery, phrasing, interaction, everything – depending on what they heard.
I’ve never heard a salesperson who listened themselves out of a sale! But I’ve met plenty who couldn’t shut up, and talked themselves out of one.
Action Point
I know you don’t act like Groot (nobody thinks they do).
But it’s worth reflecting… Do you ask enough questions? Do you speak too much at the start of conversations? Do others think you listen to them a lot/a bit/not at all?