Listening is a much underrated skill. People think it’s the easiest thing in the world to do but it’s not. Most of us like the sound of our voices and the more authority we have, the more we want others to listen to us. Alas, a common affliction at the workplace too. A humorous story on the importance of listening.

A police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street.

“But officer,” the man began, “I can explain…”

 

“Just be quiet,” snapped the officer. “I’m going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back.”

 

“But, officer, I just wanted to say…,” “And I said to keep quiet! You’re going to jail!“

A few hours later the officer looked in on his prisoner and said, “Lucky for you that the chief’s at his daughter’s wedding. He’ll be in a good mood when he gets back.”

“Don’t count on it,” answered the fellow in the cell. “I’m the groom.”