Listening Lights the Way Ears, Empathy, and Understanding If I’ve learned one thing as a lawyer, husband, and father, it’s that all people want to be heard and understood. July 18 is World Listening Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the value of effective communication. It may not be a major holiday, but it’s a meaningful one. After all, if people simply did a better job of hearing what others say, many of the world’s problems would likely be resolved. The ability to listen is a muscle I’ve had to exercise and develop as a lawyer. In my profession, I often work with clients who are dealing with some of the worst situations imaginable, ranging from the loss of a loved one to sustaining a horrific injury that has changed their lives. Naturally, these folks also deal with the emotions and mental health issues that go along with these intense circumstances. It requires deep intuition to determine who an individual is in their heart and how they feel in a particular scenario. Admittedly, I wasn’t always a great listener. Early in my career, I worked on my first brain injury case with a senior lawyer and grew frustrated by our client’s inability to control their emotions. When I expressed my frustration to the other attorney, he replied, “Well, they do have a brain injury, you know.” That moment was an important lesson in understanding a client’s situation and listening for ways to help them. Allowing my clients to let off steam with me is one of the best things I can provide them as an attorney. Even if they can’t fully articulate their perspectives or concerns, the light bulb will go off in my head, and I’ll think, “Oh, that’s what’s going on here!” That level of understanding helps me build my case. It’s also essential to listen with your eyes. I have a rule that I visit all my clients’ homes, whether they live in Virginia or Maine. By looking at their family photos and seeing how they live, I can gain a greater perspective on what they need from me beyond what their words may reveal. This World Listening Day, make it a point to listen to those around you more intently. You may learn more about them — and perhaps yourself — than you imagined.
SUDOKU
4TH OF JULY COCKTAIL
Inspired by PeelWithZeal.com
INGREDIENTS
• 2 oz grenadine, divided • 6 oz lemonade
• 3 oz vodka • 2 oz blue curaçao
DIRECTIONS
1. In each of 2 cocktail glasses, pour 1 oz grenadine and fill with ice. 2. In a cocktail shaker or glass measuring cup, mix lemonade and vodka. 3. Slowly pour the mixture evenly into the glasses with grenadine. 4. Place a soup spoon upside down over each glass. Very slowly, pour half of the blue curaçao over the spoon, cascading the curaçao to create the blue layer. 5. Serve immediately, and let freedom ring
–Kevin Mottley
www.MottleyLawFirm.com | 3
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