How well do you Listen?

This week we revisit this topic from a few years ago about effective listening.   Thanks for the suggestion and keep sending your feedback.

I sometimes catch myself asking someone their name right after I'm introduced - was I really focused and listening?

Here are some tips on enhancing your listening skills. Feel free to share your good and not so good experiences.

Don't think about your response while the other person is talking.   Ever notice as soon as the speaker is finished talking, the other person automatically has a response.   More often than not, this automatic response has nothing to do with the speaker' conversation.   Check it out for yourself next time you observe people having a conversation. 

Listen without forming a bias and wait until the speaker has completed their discussion to understand fully what they are saying before making a response.

Never assume (we all like this one).   If the comment is "I require this right away" does this mean within the hour?  today?  tomorrow?  sometime this year?   Ask for clarification and you will be surprised sometimes your assumption is incorrect.

Focus on the listener and avoid the distractions.   Look at the speaker - make eye contact - instead of looking at your smart phone or others around you.

Do your rephrase what the other person is saying to ensure you have a fully understanding of what they are saying?   Listening is a lifelong skillset most of us keep working on to be better at.   Communication can be a wonderful thing if all parties are fully present and effectively listening. 

Look forward to hearing some of your experiences.