Listening is Hard Work

What makes a good listener?

Listening is the ability to accurately perceive a message conveyed by another person.

Our attitude does affect our listening.  If we truly want to learn or understand, we will listen much better.  Listening does not come naturally to most people.  It is not passive but active, demanding a lot of effort and work.  To be a good active listener, you must look for underlying messages and meaning.  This is done by observing non-verbal cues, sensing feelings, putting yourself in the speaker's place, and trying to understand what he/she is really trying to communicate.

Active Listening Steps         

• Create a Safe Place      
• Become Actively Involved      
• Avoid the Temptation to Evaluate      
• Search for Meaning
• Confirm Your Understanding  
• Bring Closure

Listening is hard work.  Take responsibility to understand the content as well as the feelings that are being communicated to you.

Until next time...

Sheryl Tuchman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
http://tools2succeed.com/