In fact, the ability to listen
In fact, the ability to listen is often
rated one of the top five abilities employers seek in their
staff. It?s also certainly highly sought after in the people
nearest and dearest to our hearts.
Here are 10 ways to be an effective listener:
1. Recognize the difference between hearing and listening
* There is a very distinct difference between hearing and
listening. Hearing is to merely perceive sound.
* Listening is the mindful, conscious act and desire to hear,
comprehend, and response to others.
2. Be willing to listen
* Begin with a commitment to listen – be open minded and
consider other points of view.
* Listen regardless of whether you agree or disagree with
what?s said. Resist the urge jump to conclusions; be
defensive or argumentative with the speaker.
3. Be attentive
* Stop what you?re doing and give the speaker your
undivided attention. If it?s not a good time for you, defer the
conversation.
* Ignore the desire to multi-task and selectively listen (only
listening to bits and pieces of information).
* Remain in the moment for the duration of the conversation
? don?t tune in and out or pretend to be listening when
you?re really thinking about where to go on your next
vacation.
4.
de-stressing