Dr. Paul A. Dillon

The Power of Listening: Insights from Dr. Paul Dillon Exploring the impact of words and listening in our lives. Words hold immense power, and sometimes, they can change lives. Dr. Paul Dillon shares his journey from the corporate world to advocating for veterans, emphasizing the importance of listening—not just to the words spoken, but to the emotions behind them. The Art of Listening Dr. Dillon highlights that listening is a lost art. He states, * "You've got to listen very carefully to not only what is said, but how somebody says it." * This sentiment rings especially true when navigating complex emotions and experiences. A Journey into Veterans Advocacy After retiring from McGladry & Pullen in 2006, Dr. Dillon embarked on a mission to support veterans. He recalls how a project with Crane's Chicago Business led to the creation of a special section on veterans in the workplace. * "I spent five months producing a volume of research… it turned into a whole focus section on their publication," * he explains. This project not only highlighted companies hiring veterans but also fostered valuable conversations about veteran support. The Impact of Emotional Resonance As Dr. Dillon reflects on his experiences, he shares the profound impact of emotional resonance in conversations. * “Look at the people saying [the words] and how they say it. Is there hope in their voice? Is there fear? How are they saying it?” * These questions guide us to deeper understandings in our interactions, revealing unspoken truths. Fear of Growing Up In a poignant moment, Dr. Dillon relates how conversations with people grieving the loss of their parents reveal underlying fears. * “None of us really wants to grow up… when my father died, I went into a guy who was a financial counselor and he said to me, ‘Now you’re the patriarch of the Dillon family.’” * This shift in responsibility can be daunting, reminding us that we often long for the simplicity of childhood. In closing, Dr. Dillon invites us to reflect on the significance of listening in our own lives. Behind every word lies a story, a feeling, and often, an opportunity for connection. For a deeper dive into Dr. Dillon’s insights and experiences, tune into the full episode.