Brushing Up Your Listening Skills
By Peggy Morrow - January 11, 2012
The New Year is always a time to step back and see what kinds of things you would like to improve. First on the list for many people is to "improve my communication skills". But when people think about what they want to improve about their communication skills, listening is often not considered or is at the bottom of the list. Well, I recommend that you move it to the top of the list! First, see if you are guilty of any of these barriers to effective listening.
- Discounting and tuning out the entire message when a flaw is found.
- Judging the sender instead of the message.
- Thinking about what you are going to say next instead of listening.
- Interrupting before the speaker is finished.
- Letting your mind wander while the person is talking.
If you are like me, you too are guilty of some of these barriers. Resolve to improve your listening skills with these tips.
- Always let the speaker finish. Wait your turn.
- Check for understanding by asking questions (if appropriate) or paraphrasing what the person has said.
- Keep good eye contact and avoid fidgeting.
- Stop what you are doing and concentrate and focus on the speaker.
- Be empathetic to the speaker. Imagine yourself in their shoes.
- Don't pass judgment before you listen to the complete message. Keep an open mind.
- Don't jump to conclusions or finish a sentence for them.
- Watch the speaker's body language and listen to his vocal tone.
Being a good listener has many advantages. It can:
- Make you more promotable.
- Increase your job satisfaction.
- Make you more efficient.
- Improve your ability to solve problems.
- Make people like you and improve your working relationships.
- Keep you aware of what is going on in your organization.
And finally, when we talk, our blood pressure goes up. When we listen, it goes down! They say you teach what you need to improve yourself and in my case, that is true with listening skills. Among my communication skills classes, I teach one called, "Can You Hear Me Now?? The Power of Listening Skills." Contact me if you want more information at: peggy@peggymorrow.com Contact me if you would like to talk about a customized team retreat to work on any of your specific team or customer service issues. I can be reached via e-mail at: peggy@peggymorrow.com or by phone: (281) 280-8190 or 800-375-2982.
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