Listening is one of the keys to success

Sep 19, 2016 Letters

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Dear Editor,
This month marks forty [40] years of my training in Human Relations and techniques, that is, application to the scheme of life. Whether on the Job or on vacation or even in the home with family members we can all benefit from the knowledge of relating to each other. The principles relating to this training is very simple and exciting to learn.
I won the most coveted prize [award] on the Dale Carnegie Course in Human relations in 1976, at the Tower Hotel, Main Street, Georgetown. I do not have the permission to mention the names of those participants who attend that course. But one thing I know they are now C.E.O’s of huge corporations and chairpersons in various businesses across this nation. They know who they are, and I was more than happy to fly with Eagles. These were men far above my status, as we sat together night after night to contest in the art of winning over people that were opposed to us using the strategies and orchestrated principles in Human Relations.
As I look back over the years, some, not very many fell through the cracks, due to the vicissitudes of life and mistakes of their past that resulted in their failure to come out on top. But I can tell you quite a number of them are leaders in their own sphere of life.
My father use to say to me, ‘Son, some people cannot rise above the level of their understanding’. And of a fact, when I survey the damming reports of the way business is conducted within the City Hall, I am truly appalled.
Because of technology and the internet with the use of cell phones, there remains no secret within the spheres of life. Debates in Parliament whether ventilating an issue at the horseshoe table in City Hall or a Regent Street Store owner contending with his staff over overtime allowances, or a board of directors navigating around a vital issue, all these maters could easily be viewed on the internet and could be embarrassing to those involved as well as it could reflect favorably for others.
For instance, on the14th Sept. 2016, Stabroek News edition had a caption on the front page that spells trouble; a councillor with uplifted hands, held up two clearly visible and poignantly placed messages before a camera for the whole world to see and read.
A statement is made as the reporter narrated the story behind that picture — it’s not about what she is doing, it’s the way how she is doing it’. This statement was referring to the Town Clerk. Now, Editor, if a statement of that nature was referring to yours truly, I would do an inventory and carefully analyze what was said of me. If I find it to be false, I would let it pass but, if it has some semblance of truth, then I would deal with myself, and then rethink my steps so as to maintain good relations on that level and find a more excellent and acceptable way in doing things.
There seem to be three [3] mischievous Misses masquerading at City Hall one is Miss —Information; Miss — Communications and Miss — Interpretation To deal with these Misses, we need a Master for Miss Information. That is listening; Master for Miss- Communication – listening. The Master for Miss —Interpretation – listening.
It tells me that both parties are not listening; it may be that they are listening to themselves. Listening is one of the key components in achieving good relations with your fellow human being.
Listening helps to increase in learning, listening helps to keep you properly informed, listening helps to make the right decision, listening makes you alert, listening helps to restore confidence in each other, listening brings you closer to each other, listening enhances your relationship. Listening opens up opportunities for everyone, listening brings understanding, listening takes you away from being selfish. Listening is one sure way of following a Divine principle and that is giving. Yes giving of yourself. The more you give the more you will receive
Some People in this 21st Century are keener in learning how to work with a computer or cell phone, than learning how to live with their colleagues. Others would seek knowledge in the scientific world we live in; exploring and discovering the STARS, MOON AND THE PLANETS, rather than discovering their own world of relationships and the way we embrace each other.
This year of our Jubilee [50th Independence Anniversary] should be spent edifying ourselves in the art of communicating; preparing our minds to understand information and equipping ourselves to rightly interpret what was said. Editor, there are more aspects to good Human Relations, but I will let the others pass for another season.
Aposle Vanrick Beresford

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