Willingness to be changed

At the moment I’m reading the book ‘Improvisation’ by Max Dickins and I found a line that really resonated with me.

“Improvisers define listening as the willingness to be changed”

I think this is a great quote because in my opinion it succinctly describes the different postures of listening.

You can see it instantly in the stubborn teenager’s face that they’re not contemplating change when listening to you.

It’s written all over the argumentative adult’s body language that they’re not truly paying attention to the points you’re making. They are probably brainstorming ways to defend their point of view more ferociously.

It’s clear this person in front of you is listening and willing to be changed from their obvious eye contact, interested facial expression, curious questions and friendly body language.

They might not agree with you in the end but at least they are taking your opinion on board.

The willingness to be changed – in my eyes an apt acid test for most listening.