Imagine you are at a meeting. You say “x” and someone thinks you mean “y”. They leave the meeting and start working to get y done. They are wasting time and money. The more people they involve in doing y, the more time and money wasted. And, the additional cost of undoing y adds to the problem, and ….. we still need to GET X DONE.
Skillful listening can change this.
Most people mistake hearing for listening.
Even when people are aware of the difference, they underestimate the skill and challenge required to listen.
Active listening requires the listener to pause and let go of the speaking role. Skillful listeners ponder the unique meaning the speaker intended, rather than simply overlay their own meaning on those words, gestures, expressions and context.
Miscommunication is a frequent problem in both our business and our personal lives. Internet and cell phone connectivity have intensified the pace and pressure of global interaction making it more likely that miscommunication will occur.
Under this stress and strain, people often send unclear, incomplete, and confusing messages …. And we depend on these speakers to do our work.
If we do not develop and actively use our listening skills, our work is only as effective as the weakest communicator on our team.
I passionately urge you to take at least 51% of the responsibility for the accuracy of your communication, especially when you are the LISTENER.
Not only will your work outcomes improve, your relationships will improve as well. Learn to listen. You won’t be sorry!
“To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well.”
John Marshall,
American Founder,
Justice United States Supreme Court.
“…when we listen others,… feel worthy, appreciated, interesting and respected. Ordinary conversations emerge on a deeper level, as do our relationships. When we listen, we foster the skill in others by acting as a model for positive and effective communication. “
Susie Michelle Cortright, Author
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