Do you listen to learn?
Last week we explored the difference between hearing and listening; we can hear by simply perceiving sounds with the ear whereas listening is an active process that requires active attention. It’s a highly sought after skill and, fortunately, it’s one we can ALL learn, improve and master.But instead of thinking, ‘I must listen to learn better’ rather tell yourself that from now on you will ‘listen to learn from, the person speaking’. Here’s some Key Steps that you can use in conjunction with last week’s “don’ts” to improve your listening skills.
Six listening do’s
- You have two ears and one mouth: Use them in that proportion.
- Focus attention on the speaker: Don’t allow your mind to wander or show inattention by looking at your watch or phone.
- Use non-verbal signals to show that you are listening: Eye contact or even a nod will do.
- Take notes and use pauses in conversation to summarise: The idea here is assimilation and insight not just ‘mimicking’ what they have said.
- Read between the lines: Listen for what is not being said and ask insightful, relevant questions.
- Keep an open mind: Put yourself in the speakers shoes.
To master the art of listening and gain a host of other communication skills that will catapult your success, contact Sharon and BOOK yourself on our upcoming Assertive Communication and Conflict Management workshop on 17 & 18 January 2017. You can’t afford not to BOOK NOW and take Key Steps to…
“be the difference that makes the difference”