{"id":130,"date":"2015-11-15T21:05:00","date_gmt":"2015-11-15T21:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenkey.newwebsitepreview.co.uk\/?p=130"},"modified":"2026-06-12T10:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T10:07:09","slug":"how-good-are-your-listening-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenkey.newwebsitepreview.co.uk\/?p=130","title":{"rendered":"How Are Your Listening Skills?"},"content":{"rendered":"

How Good Are Your Listening Skills?<\/p>\n

I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ernest Hemmingway<\/em><\/p>\n

In order to manage the ever-increasing workload, our lives are focused to processing as much as possible in the shortest time,. This is further compounded by social media \u2013 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like, all of which demand time, and to which it is easy to become a \u201cslave\u201d. How are these demands affecting your listening? Look over the table below and remind yourself of the difference between poor and effective listening.<\/p>\n

Poor v. Effective Listening Behaviour<\/p>\n

The Poor Listener:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is distracted by work, other people, interrruptions, noises etc<\/p>\n

Body is oriented away from the speaker <\/p>\n

Gives no feedback (facial responsiveness, or other appropriate response <\/p>\n

Ignores speaker’s non verbal communication<\/p>\n

Interrupts and waits to speak <\/p>\n

Jumps to conclusions – focuses on symptoms and quick fixes<\/p>\n

Takes criticism personally<\/p>\n

Blames others. Becomes defensive about the organisation or self and is judgemental and punishing when someone complains <\/p>\n

Blames the organisation. Takes the side of the person complaining<\/p>\n

Is thrown by stressed-out behaviour of others, and may become stressed-out in turn, Often lacks control of the situation<\/p>\n

Judges others by opinions – prejudices, shuts down listening<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The Effective Listener:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Focuses on the speaker and what is being said<\/p>\n

Body is oriented towards the speaker <\/p>\n

Gives feedback and participates appropriately <\/p>\n

Tunes into the speaker’s non verbal communication<\/p>\n

Occasionally reflects and clarifies. Allows the other person to finish what they are saying <\/p>\n

Is patient. Sees complaints and negative criticism as opportunity for problem solving and learning. Focuses on underlying causes<\/p>\n

Avoids taking criticism personally <\/p>\n

Suspends judgement as to who is to “blame”. Has attitude to focus and find solutions which is seen as being more important than judgement<\/p>\n

Doesn’t blame. Seeks solutions, is proactive for the future, not seeking revenge for actions in the past<\/p>\n

Realises the other person must have had to “psych up” to make a complaint, and has respect. Makes allowances for the other person’s behaviour while listening<\/p>\n

Suspends judgement on others – listens to what is being said, not who is saying it<\/p>\n

Listens with head and heart<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Skilled Listeners:<\/strong><\/p>\n