Say What?

There are definitely people I hold in high esteem.  People who, because of their learning and application over perhaps many years, have a good handle on a particular subject.  When they talk about thing, that they tend to know their topic.
I was thinking about that this morning.  As far as I am concerned, anyone can speak into my life.  A person need not have a multitude of letters after their mane before I will listen.
The key for me is listening from the start.  I feel that if I am listening, then something right for me can come from the most unexpected places.  Naturally if I am not ready to receive then something said by the highest or the lowest in the land will not be accepted.
As I am fond of saying, “it does not matter who says what, it is what is said.”  Another thing I have found to be true is that “interest governs memory.”  I can remember something said in passing, that maybe even the sayer does not remember saying.
The difference for me is interest.  Maybe body expression is disguised sometimes, but often interest is written all over the receiver.  I have had what I am doing misinterpreted before.  Often I doodle.  I am taking in everything said, but to the observer it can look like I am not there.
I do remember being unexpectedly quizzed about something when I was doodling.  Much to the askers surprise I was able to meaningfully contribute to what was being said.  On the other hand when giving hands on instructions, I can tell the ones keen to know, and those who think they know it all already.
But as another thing I am fond of saying goes, “their problem.”  It may be mine in the short term, but in the long term it is theirs.
I saw it at work.  People that are head hunted may not know everything, but there is an attitude of wanting to learn.
To me it is all about attitude.  Who says what is less important than what is said, and my readiness to receive.