What makes a good listener?

Listening is the ability to accurately perceive a message conveyed by another person.
 
Based on studies of executives, the ability to understand other people's perspectives is the biggest single predictor of executive success.  Of those who fail as executives, only 24% had this skill; of those who succeed as executives, 75% have this special ability.*
 
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.

*The Center for Organizational Design

Until next time...






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