Let’s face it; we have all practiced some poor listening styles at some point in our lives.
And we continue to practice them without realizing what impact they may have on the quality of our relationships.
Which one of the following poor listening styles can you relate to?

• Do you pick out select words and let your mind run with them or pretend to listen and just nod a lot?

• While someone is speaking, are you judging, getting ready to advise or probe?

• Are you personalizing what’s being said? In other words are you self-centered listening?

• Do you simply ‘zone out’?

What else?

If you’re wondering how your listening skills can influence or change a personal or business relationship and you’re curious how, here’s an exercise you can try.

Begin by noticing, recognizing and acknowledging your own ‘poor listening style’ then make it your intention - for one day (today) - to focus entirely on listening without doing what you ordinarily do.

Reflect on how you felt and what you observed after each conversation and again at the end of the day.

The next day, do it again. Keep at it for a week and see where it goes.

Warning: This can be a very challenging exercise but it will certainly be insightful.

Bottom line; a key to developing a good listening style is to manage it. Be aware of how you’re listening, make it your intention to focus on what is being said, practice this daily and reflect on what overall changes you’re seeing. You will be amazed at what you may find.
Give it a try and share your thoughts with us.

~Lesia S.