Think about it.

If your boss actually listened to your ideas instead of shoving them under carpet. Could you see possibilities here if none of our messages are mis-interpreted?

What a wonderful world it would be.

Below I've included 7 quick tips to become a highly effective listener.

***Wait until speaker has finished his or her point before you bring up your own point

***Try not to interrupt however, before you interrupt ask speaker "are you finished?" or "can I stop you there?"

***Switch off from yourself and switch on to other person. Be really really really interested in what other person is saying

***If conversation is face-to-face look into person's eyes. That shows them that you are in fact listening to them (and not thinking about what you're going to eat for lunch!).

***Understand that EVERYONE has an opinion no matter how small, big or insignificant you may think that opinion is.

***Do absolutely NOTHING when you're listening. Just listen! Don't fidget or watch TV or clean your nails or read your email….

***For conversations on phone try concentrating on your breathing and focusing on other person's voice.

Try these and let me know how you do. I can almost guarantee that you will be more appreciated in all aspects of your life.

Then she took a job where her boss told her he wanted a newsletter in two weeks, and gave her – wouldn’t you know? – a Mac. Being used to tinkering, she started right in, asking an office mate some pertinent questions, and figuring it out fairly rapidly although she had never touched a computer before. Someone else might have refused that job or demanded lessons.

The next job Alicia had she was required to use a PC, and she tackled that on her own as well.

Nick, however, learns best from formal instruction, and then having a manual at his side. It confuses him if someone tries to instruct him sitting by his side or talking to him. He would rather work on his own, in peace and quiet.

Emotional Intelligence starts with self-awareness – knowing your emotions as well as your cognitive abilities, and particularly how they interface. Nick and Alicia were both able to learn computer skills, but they were comfortable in different settings, and it’s emotional “comfort,” that gets rid of fear and accelerates learning curve. Learning has a huge emotional component to it that is just now being honored in our schools and in work place.

MOVE RAPIDLY FOR BEST RESULTS

A crucial point is longer you stay in confused stage, more stress you’ll experience. This will reinforce itself, making it harder for you to learn in future. In essence you’ll be slowing down your learning curve each time.

The faster you learn each thing, less agony, and better and faster you’ll learn in future. It’s a win-win. Your employer wants you to learn fast, and it’s in your best interest to learn fast.

Another great benefit is then learning is fun – like 6 year old learning to ski. This is turn will make you more resilient (the stress-buster for 00s) because studies have shown that lifetime learning contributes to resilience.

The ability to change rapidly, be flexible and learn quickly are highly valued by today’s employers and reduce your personal stress levels.

These are all Emotional Intelligence competencies you can learn. How? Start with an overview of field and an assessment of your own Emotional Intelligence (EQ or EI). You can take an interactive Emotional Intelligence course on Internet, and then work with a certified Emotional Intelligence coach who can provide individual instruction to improve your competencies.

Developing your Emotional Intelligence has many benefits. It can accelerate learning curve because it teaches you correct patterns, makes previous knowledge more accessible, allows for better cognitive functioning, and manages emotions so they help process, not hinder it. It can also increase your ability to get help – and kind of help – you need from others.

Even if faced with learning something completely new, you’ll learn to recognize steps and feelings that go along with each stage which will eliminate a lot of stress.

You’ve taken care of your academic education, but what about your Emotional Intelligence? Take a second look. Many people are finding it to be missing piece in their career plan.