BE A BETTER LISTENER

[CROWN COUNCIL]

BEING A BETTER LISTENER

Maybe someone you know quite well accuses you of being a poor listener.  You might consider running

a little test. 

 

Check your assumptions.  See if you think you are already sure you know what is going on in the head of the other listeners.  Run a test by asking a question such as “so you mean,” or “so you are thinking that”.

 

Get curious.  Ask the listener  to enlarge on the question.

Trade places mentally.  Put yourself in the other persons shoes.

Know when to tap out.  Ask to have time to consider ways in which you may be in agreement

 

There is noting wrong with just saying I can tell this is really important to you and I want to give it my full attention. Can we wait a bit it?

 

                    Arthur S. Anderson