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The Art of Effective Listening
Written by: Roger IngbretsenArticle Overview: Listening is a very attribute for all of us to have or at the very least be working on. Listening is especially a key skill for individuals in a Leadership role because of the complexities of today's work environment
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The Art of Effective Listening
Listening is rarely if ever taught in schools because educators (along with almost everyone else) assume listening is automatic - it’s like breathing. But effective listening is a skill, which like any other skill is achieved through learning and practice.
Listening takes time or, more accurately, you have to take time to listen. Listening requires the temporary suspension of all unrelated thoughts. In order to become an effective listener, you have to learn to manage what goes on in your own mind. You must in fact learn to listen, so you can listen and learn.
Ten Steps to Effective Listening
1. Listen to learn
2. Face the speaker and maintain eye contact and be attentive.
3. Truly listen to the speaker’s words and try to picture what he/she is saying.
4. Keep an open mind.
5. Don't interrupt.
6. Wait for the speaker to pause to ask clarifying questions.
7. Ask questions only to ensure understanding of something that has been said.
8. Try to walk in the speakers shoes and feel what the speaker is feeling.
9. Give the speaker regular feedback by showing your interest.
Step Ten - Listen to learn!
This is the most important step of all!
Listening helps build relationships, solve problems, ensure understanding, resolve conflicts, and improve accuracy. At work, effective listening means fewer errors and less wasted time. At home, it helps develop resourceful, self-reliant kids who can solve their own problems. Listening builds friendships and careers. It saves money and marriages.
A good mantra to take is found in the words "Where ever you are - be there." It is very easy to get into the mode of multitasking and not taking the time to listen. When at the supper table, be there, not at work. When at work, be there, not at home or on the golf course. When someone is speaking with you a home or at work, be fully engaged in the process. Listen to learn! You will become more effective in your relationships and your career.
Copyright Information:
You MAY reprint the information contained in this article as long as no portion of the contents are modified and it used “exclusively” within your organization. You must also give credit to information by including the tag line...
Roger M. Ingbretsen, Author, Speaker, Leadership Coach, Organizational and career developer For more information, visit www.ingbretsen.com or call 509 999 7008.
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Article Tags: accuracy, clarifying questions, conflicts, copyright information, effective listener, effective listening, eye contact, friendships, golf course, mantra, money, multitasking, relationships, shoes, speakers, supper table, taking the time, time at home, unrelated thoughts
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About the Author: Roger Ingbretsen RSS for Roger's articles - Visit Roger's website  Roger is a member of the International Coaching Federation. Additionally, he has completed many professional training programs attaining numerous certifications, a few of which include: The Harvard Law School “win-win” negotiation process, the Center for Creative Leadership “360-Degree Feedback” evaluation process and “Coach the Coach” program, the Zenger Miller “Team Training Certification Seminar” and “Executive Coaching” practices from the Professional School of Psychology, California. He is also a qualified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality inventory.
Click here to visit Roger's website   The Next Crisis In The Perfect Storm Unfunded Retirement Accounts Parents A 14 Step Guide For Preparing Your Children For The Real World Do You Really Know Who You Are How to be a Successful Project Team Leader Sustainability Growth and Talent Are Key |
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Re: How do I find a direct mail list of potential customers
- Hi WhyNot,
Is it possible there are websites about the Federal Government. It needs to delve into it to find the key person. Listening for once to the news could pinpoint who is really in charge of this department.
I wish you wisdom to connect with the right people. Nothing is too difficult, if you put your mind to it.
Maybe some one else has a supportive idea.
Re: How to Get Over Your Fear of Failure, Make Every Second Coun
- Hi Evan,
I've just been listening to a couple of your MTM videos while packing parcels. I especially enjoyed this one on JKR.
Listening to stuff like this while packing orders is one of my better ways of "making every second count!"
Re: Money Does Not Guarantee Happiness
- Thanks for singling this point out, Chris.
One book that comes to mind that covers it in an overall approach is "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey.
He addresses our inner life and the way it can change our effectiveness home and at work. There are corporations who have taken this model and effectively molded their business around it.
Re: Quote of the Day - ?"Everything happens for a reason and a p
- Thanks for the quote and the link. I just watched the Tony Robbins video where he high-5s Al Gore. Good stuff!
"Effective leaders have the ability to consistently move themselves and others to action because they understand the "invisible forces" that shape us."
Also,
"Biography is not destiny... decision is."
Ideas on Using Twitter for Business
- 1. Build an account and immediate start using Twitter Search to listen for your name, your competitor's names, words that relate to your space. (Listening always comes first.)
2. Add a picture. ( Shel reminds us of this.) We want to see you.
3. Talk to people about THEIR interests, too. I know this doesn't sell more widgets, but it shows us you are human.
4. Point out interesting things in your space, not just about you.
5. Share links to neat things in your community. ( wholefoods does this well).
6. Don't get stuck in the apology loop. Be helpful instead. ( jetblue gives travel tips.)
7. Be wary of always pimping your stuff. Your fans will love it. Others will tune out.
8. Promote your employees outside-of-work stories. ( TheHomeDepot does it well.)
9. Throw in a few humans, like RichardAtDELL, LionelAtDELL, etc.
10. Talk about non-business,
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