Listening Styles …. The Do’s and Don’ts!
There are many different styles of listening that experts in various fields refer to. For the purpose of understanding the importance of active listening and its positive impact on our success as a consultant, we are going to look at four main styles and how they are defined;
THE DON’TS:
Inactive Listening – This is where you are hearing the words but your mind may be wandering. The old age adage “in one ear and out the other” can best describe inactive listening.
Selective Listening – This is where you hear only what you want to hear. Selective listening occurs when you have already begun formulating your opinion or response when the speaker is still delivering the message.
THE DO’S:
Active Listening –
As an active listener, you listen not only to the content but to the intent of the message as well. You listen with interest and also listen for any emotion that may attached to the speakers words. Most importantly, you are non judgmental and you are empathetic.
Reflective Listening – This is also active listening but you add the task of clarifying what the speaker is saying to ensure a mutual understanding.
Active and Reflective listening establishes positive lines of communication and is your passport to uncovering the true meaning in your client or candidates words. Active listening requires you to think as well as listen more laterally, however, it should not be used to hide or avoid revealing your own position.
Remain aware of the speakers tone, body language, choice of words and listen for emotion that may also be attached to the words. Don’t take the message at surface value.
You need to break the message down in order to understand it and more importantly, you need to bring your reflective listening skills into play by asking appropriate questions that clarify the message in your mind and check for mutual understanding.
