Look to see where people are making a path before putting in a new sidewalk. In other words, don’t waste time and effort on something people won’t use. Along the same line, refrain, as best you can, from answering questions people aren’t asking. This intends to help address the question — why aren’t they listening? As with other sayings, these may offer a little food for thought.
Yes, it is important to look and listen and be aware of what is going on around us. In addition, it is also important to consult. To see what common sense approaches are staring us in the face even if it has to do with the placing of a sidewalk where it will be used. To ask, to invite their questions so that attentive listeners await our response to what is on their minds, what are their needs, is important. Instead of, “Here’s a plan. I hope you like it,” we generally prefer hearing the words, “What do you think?” To be consulted.