LISTENING: THE FORGOTTEN SKILL<

Description

Organizations have always known that success depends on people communicating effectively, contributing not only to the bottom line but to a positive performance environment. But successful organizations know that good communication is not just about speaking well. It's about the quality of the connection between the senders of the message and the receivers.

The strongest influence on the quality and outcome of all communications is the ability to listen effectively. Listening is also basic to cooperating productively inside the organization. And it's the key to meeting the competitive challenges outside. <

Objectives

• Understand the importance of effective listening skills

• Determine what "communication killers" are hampering your listening effectiveness

• Describe the five different listening approaches, including the focus, motivation, and behavioral indicators of each approach

• Identify your natural listening approach

• Identify appropriate uses of each of the five listening approaches

• Review and practice techniques that will enhance your listening skills and improve your communications with others

Key Topics

• Discover your listening approach

• Learn how listening approaches impact listening effectiveness

• Capitalize on listening strengths

• Explore other listening approaches and the appropriate use in different communication situations

• Develop a willingness to listen actively and positively

• Overcome communications barriers

• Foster a positive listening enviroment

• Increase trust and reduce conflict

Materials

Good communication is one of the most valued skills in the workplace. And effective listening is basic to communicating productively inside the organization and meeting the competitive challenges outside. The Personal Listening Profile helps people become active purposeful listeners in a wide variety of situations for more productive communication.

Discover the Impact of Five Listening Approaches Behavioral research shows that people listen with a preferred listening approach. The Personal Listening Profile research describes five listening approaches. The Personal Listening Profile helps people match listening approaches to communication needs:

Appreciative: listens in a relaxed manner, seeking enjoyment, entertainment or inspiration