Question

Masterclass

Part 6

Actually Listen to the Answer

You ask one of the Seven Essential Questions.
And then you move into Black-Belt Active Listening mode.
Nodding your head like a well-sprung bobblehead doll.
Making small grunting noises of encouragement.
Maintaining eye contact at all costs.
Yet rattling around in your head is a riot of distraction. Perhaps
you’re worrying about what question you should ask next. Perhaps
you’re thinking about how to get this whole conversation wrapped
up as fast as possible. Perhaps you’re wondering whether it’s your
turn to cook tonight, and whether you have enough garlic in the
cupboard or if perhaps you should pick some up on the way home.
In any case,

the wheel is spinning but the hamster is

dead.*

• No one seems to know where this phrase comes from. But whoever invented it, I
  salute you.