Why should I listen to them? They don't listen to me.
Seriously, I'm retired. They need to go fix the world themselves.
Over generalizations and stooping down to someone’s level doesn’t really move the conversation in a productive direction. It was said that listening would get a better response. This is spot on and is so important in almost everything we do. Talking with my son, if I cut him off and otherwise show him that I don’t want to listen to what he has to say, then he shuts down and there is no discussion whatsoever. Last night he repeatedly told me that he appreciates that I was listening to what he had to say even though what I said in response was not what he wanted to hear. I told him I’d never just tell him what he wants to hear. He can always count on hearing what I truly think and my honest reaction. He responded quite favorably to that and we ended with him saying that I gave him a lot to think about. From my point of view that is a successful conversation. I’ve learned in business that when the communication stops, the deal falls apart. Same goes for everyday issues and discussions.