Embracing The Power of S.S.S

Do you know what S.S.S stands for? Are you not aware of the power of SSS in our daily lives? Well, for one who doesn't know the real meaning behind SSS, it is likely that you are not actually living a favorable kind of life; something like you are not efficiently dealing with the people around you, including your friends and loved ones.

The definition or explanation of the power of SSS can somehow be found in the Bible; in the book of James, chapter 1 and verse 19 to 21. SSS tackles the essence of effective listening, careful speaking and the ability to refrain yourself from getting angry easily; particularly if the reasons are yet unclear. In short, SSS means = Swift to hear, Slow to speak and Slow to anger.

Swift to Hear
Listening is perhaps the hardest skill to master. It may take some time and a great deal of effort to listen constructively. More often than not, people like to talk than listen even if the moment is already asking for some kind of silence. There are people who just don't know how to stop talking. That nullifies the essence of effective listening.

We all should learn how to stop, give way and take time to listen. But there are times that simple listening is never enough to fully understand what the other person is saying. Sometimes, it's still impossible to hear or understand what a person is truly saying even if he or she is already shouting. And usually, not learning how to listen well is the root of many forms of misunderstanding and the feeling of being taken for granted. Basically, listening is equal to understanding.

There are two types of listeners:

- Emphatic
People who practice emphatic listening are good debaters and negotiators. They are positive listeners. They are converting negative feedbacks into constructive criticisms. Emphatic listening is an effective type of listening wherein one is able to hear the unspoken and unheard.

- Reactive or Destructive
Reactive listeners tend to be judgmental and exaggerated. Since these are not really good listeners, they tend to fabricate false stories. They swiftly react or speak than listen first. They are most likely the source of misunderstandings and gossips.

Instead of listening to what is being said, try to pay attention to what’s not being said, or what’s being said with emotion and body language. See beneath the obvious through sincerity and humility. Listen carefully without prejudice or taking sides. You don't always have to say something; sometimes, words are meaningless when it comes to making others feel your support. If you are not in the mood to listen or is also preoccupied of your own issues and burdens. they say so. Stop pretending that you are all ears. You don't have to agree, but make sure you understand. Put yourself in other's shoes.

“Be quick to listen and be slow to speak.”