The ability to listen well is probably one of the most important business skills you can have. Few people actually are actively listening when other people are talking. They are thinking about the point they will make as soon as the other person finishes speaking or debating the merits of eating lunch at a fast food place versus eating at the desk.
There are a few good techniques that can help with listening:
* Remind yourself every few seconds that you are listening, not getting ready to talk.
* Let the other person know you are listening by restating what he or she is saying before you go on to make your point.
* Ask for clarification if you feel that you’ve missed what the other person was saying.
Do you have any great listening tips to share? I’d love to hear them!
Originally posted on April 23, 2006 @ 1:40 pm