When asked most managers and business people would say that they listen well and would probably be able to repeat what has been said verbatim. The question becomes is that what true listening is? From my perspective that is not quite what listening is.
Listening only occurs when you are present to the person doing the speaking. Distraction is common when people think they are listening and includes the following:
- Being in your head preparing a response;
- Eager to speak so that you are able to show that they’re wrong or that you disagree;
- Having an emotional response to what they’re saying;
- Putting together your shopping list instead of listening openly.
Pay attention to what you are thinking about when you are listening. People are able to sense when you are authentically being present when they are speaking. Track your results. Let me know what happens. I am genuinely interested.
Need greater clarity – contact me to discuss.
Business Change Agent, Marie-Helene Sakowski at info@effectiveplacement.com.
