Active, Sympathetic Listening
I have to admit, I appreciate sympathetic listening but have not always been good at it myself.
The two simple changes I've made: giving someone my complete attention (leaving my phone at my desk) and letting them speak (not my nature) have made a huge difference.
It's a combination of offering reassurance and allowing some venting--I realize that people need validation of being heard. Even on the small scale of a 2 min conversation, the benefit is very noticeable in terms of stress and emotional charge of the situation. I can see that it has long term value and adds depth to working relationships with colleagues..
Has anyone else experienced the same?
Thomas,
Listening is 87% of communication. We need to listen carefully to truely understand the situation or rationale of the conversation.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I agree spympethetic listening is not always my strenght. I am such a multi-tasker that I find myself doing other things when people are talking to me. You're suggestions of leaving your phone/desk are great. I think making an effort to stop what your doing to focus on the person is a good start.
Lisa ,
87% of great communication is listening. When we can concentrate on what is being said it makes our two-way communication much better for clarification of what we are talking about.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I like your ideas about leaving phone behind. I always expect my students to do active listening and i don't always practice what I preach
