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| Bob Schultek |
Last week, we discussed how active listeners get what they deserve: actionable information, profitable orders and enduring relationships. It takes commitment and practice to become an active listener, and we shared some tips to help develop your active listening skills.
In response to those of you who asked for some examples of poor listening habits, I offer the following:
- Interrupting the speaker frequently
- Prematurely judging what is being said
- Saying little and providing no feedback
- Being quick to offer advice when not asked
- Finishing the speaker’s sentences
- Interrupting slow speakers to speed them up
- Diverting from the speaker’s message to yours
- Disrupting the speaker with many interruptions
- Doing more talking than listening
- Daydreaming when others are speaking
- Keeping the focus of the conversation on you
- Answering a question with a question
- Planning your reply while the speaker talks
- Acting distracted during a conversation
Distracted listening communicates a lack of respect for the speaker. It compromises your effectiveness and ability to build relationships. If active listeners earn the success they deserve, then what are the consequences of distracted listening?
Have you caught yourself demonstrating any of these poor listening habits?
What could you do to improve your active listening competency?
