I Hear Ya... Can Go A Long Way! Sometimes, the easiest and most effective way to disarm someone who's chewing your ear is to simply identify with them. Urban Dictionary defines 'I Hear Ya' this way... 'An expression indicating understanding or empathy.' For the most part it works, and here's why...
People want to know you're listening. They want you to hear their issues. They want you to be engaged in their cause. They want some form of affirmation. The best way to demonstrate all of the above is to simply hit the 'play back' button and it goes something like this... "This is what I hear you saying..."
It's a simple strategy and a powerful one. Once the person feels you're listening, their defenses let down. You now have them beyond 'hello.' You can proceed with the tough stuff, carefully watching their body language for signals along the way. Realize that I didn't say you had to subscribe to their point of view. You simply need to respect their position and proceed from there. Three powerful words... I hear ya... can go a long way.
