Are You Really Listening?
In the era of multi-tasking, true active listening is becoming a rarity. The next time you have an interview, meeting, conversation, or interaction with another person – consider what you actually heard. Did you hear what you think you heard or are you interpreting what you want to hear?
Dianne Booher in an accomplished author and public speaker who specializes in helping individuals and organizations improve productivity with better written, interpersonal, and cross-functional communication.
She gives some spot-on advice about how to improve your communication skills.
Be wary of listening for what you want to hear. Be an authentic listener and don’t interpret a conversation to favor your desired results.
Be wary of not listening for what you don’t want to hear. Avoiding difficult issues will only put off the inevitable. Acknowledge concerns head on so you can deal with them more effectively.
Consider your own receptivity. Your mood, frame of mind, and circumstance can impact how well you listen at any given time. For an objective listening experience, make up your mind to listen. Stop what you are doing when someone addresses you and focus.
Active listening requires paying attention to your speaker’s facial expression, body language, and voice inflection. Give your speaker the courtesy of being an authentic listener and validate their effort. You deserve to the same treatment from others when you are driving a conversation or presentation so be mindful of your ability to listen well and be more productive. Can you hear me now?
