By becoming a good listener we can build stronger relationships and gain new ideas and inspiration. Most people think that they are a good listener, but what would their colleagues, clients, family and friends say about them?
Often we think we are listening when we are in fact only going through the motions with our attention drifting elsewhere.
Yet, being a good listener is amongst the most powerful and underrated communication skills. Used effectively, it helps to build relationships (and fix broken ones), pre-empt arguments, gain gravitas and persuade others round to our point of view. It’s something we can all do, and something most of us can do a lot better.
Learning Objectives
Differentiate listening from hearing
Identify the benefits of active listening
Identify poor listening habits
Learning and implement skills used for active listening
Identify barriers to effective listening
Practiced a number of techniques to train yourself to listen more effectively, whatever the internal and external distractions
