Become an Active Listener

438 words Become an Active Listener Contrary to what you may have heard, listening does not come easy for most people, yet it is one of most important skills we can use on job and in our personal relationships. Hearing is a biological function, most people can hear unless they are hearing impaired. Listening, however, is a skill which takes active participation and conscious effort. Listening takes words and sounds that we hear and interprets them. The importance of active listening cannot be overstated. In order to be effective on job (and in life), you must develop your listening skills. This means being actively engaged with person speaking by looking at them, asking questions, and reflecting back to them what you heard them say. There are three main elements to active listening: tuning-in, asking questions, and reflecting on what person has said. Tuning in means being fully present with person and eliminating internal or external distractions. Asking questions involves posing thoughtful, relevant questions to further understand other person’s feelings or thoughts. And reflecting involves repeating back to them in your own words facts, feelings, and underlying meaning of words. There are many benefits to becoming a good listener: better ability to help others, social acceptance and popularity, and ability to avoid problems that result from a lack of listening. To listen more effectively, clear your mind, maintain an open body stance and good eye contact, pay attention to not only logical content of message, but also emotional, and respond appropriately (by nodding, smiling, or asking a probing question).

Job Retention Smart Tips

Job Retention Smart Tips You are now successfully established in your career field. Is it time to kick back and relax? Not if you want to stay employed. With days of “fire at will” and upsizing and downsizing, knowing what it takes to stay successfully employed is an essential job survival skill. Listening qWhen you are not sure about something that is said or done, be sure to ask for clarification. qDon’t do all talking. Strive for 60-70% listening, 30-40% talking while on job. qDon’t interrupt. Allow adequate time for person to answer or ask a question. qKeep your emotions in check. An angry person does not listen well. qTake time to tune in, reflect back, and ask questions of other person. qMaintain good eye contact and an open-mind. qTry being a counselor for a day. Let a friend or co-worker talk out a problem and listen without judgment or giving advice.

Relating qEstablish positive relationships with your boss, know his or her strengths/weaknesses, and preferred communication style (in person or in writing). qFind a mentor to look up to. qValue diversity and learn from others. qAccept constructive criticism and learn from mistakes. qSurround yourself with people who bring out best in you. qAvoid getting caught up in office gossip and politicking.

Writing qBe brief and to point in all your business correspondence. qIntroduce one thought per paragraph. qRead books and magazines in your career field to see what is being researched and written about. qUse an active rather than passive voice. qOrganize your thoughts with an outline before you begin writing. qConsider how your message will affect your readers. qKeep your messages concise and avoid sending emotionally-charged messages.