USANA's Kevin Guest Champions Listening Awareness Month with Personal Insights

Celebrating Listening Awareness Month with Kevin Guest

As March marks Listening Awareness Month, USANA’s Executive Chairman, Kevin Guest, passionately advocates for the significance of listening as a transformative power in our daily lives. In a heartfelt call to action, he encourages people worldwide to embrace active listening to cultivate stronger personal and professional relationships.

Kevin Guest believes that listening is one of the most underappreciated tools in our interpersonal toolkit. He states, "Listening is one of the most underrated yet profound tools we have to connect with others." This profound observation stems from his extensive experience both as a leader in the health and wellness industry and as a parent. He highlights the importance of understanding others before offering solutions, reflecting on moments in his life where listening not only resolved conflicts but also enriched connections with family and friends.

In his bestselling book, "All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony," Guest recounts an invaluable lesson he learned from motivational speaker Denis Waitley. Faced with challenges regarding his young son’s behavior, he felt overwhelmed and confused. Seeking advice, he was urged not to punish his child by taking away what was tied to their self-esteem. This insight led him to foster a communicative environment where listening played a pivotal role in understanding his son’s distress. By doing so, Guest and his wife avoided the potential of deepening a rift and instead enhanced their bond with their child.

Similarly, Guest reflects on another instance where a friend confided in him about relationship troubles. Instead of jumping in with unsolicited advice, he provided a listening ear which allowed his friend to unpack their feelings without judgment. The mere act of attentive listening alleviated the tension and promoted a sense of validation. He notes, "Sometimes the act of listening is the most powerful gift you can give."

To empower others in their listening practices, Guest has outlined three essential steps for active listening:

1. Seek First to Understand: Drawing inspiration from Stephen R. Covey, he promotes empathetic listening, urging individuals to focus on comprehending the speaker’s thoughts and emotions fully rather than merely planning their next comment.

2. Listen to Your Inner Voice: Listening involves introspection. Individuals should evaluate their biases and mental distractions to approach conversations with clarity.

3. Lead with Empathy: Guest emphasizes connecting with one's heart, imagining oneself in the other person’s shoes. This approach nurtures compassion and deeper connections.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, listening can often take a backseat to more immediate concerns. However, Guest advocates for the recognition of listening as a critical skill that enhances relationships and promotes goodwill. He highlights how focused listening fosters understanding, trust, and even opportunities for conflict resolution and personal growth.

As March unfolds, Guest invites everyone to engage in Listening Awareness Month activities and reflects on the potential of mindful listening to facilitate both personal and professional success. Whether in corporate environments or intimate family settings, he emphasizes that active listening can truly have a profound impact.

“Listening starts with a choice,” he proclaims, underlining the importance of being present and moving beyond superficial conversations. Each conversation is a stepping stone towards making the world a better place, one empathetic dialogue at a time.

To add a philanthropic note, Kevin Guest reveals that all proceeds from his book, "All the Right Reasons," are directed to feeding hungry children, with every purchase contributing to providing meals. For those interested in learning more and supporting this cause, resources are available on his website, kevinguest.com.

As a leader within USANA Health Sciences, Guest embodies the company's mission not just through health and wellness products but by promoting social wellness and clear communication—cornerstones of successful relationships in all arenas of life. To explore more about USANA and its initiatives, visit USANA.com.