Good Listening Habits

“Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly”

“A wise person talks little, and an ignorant one talks much.”

Eliminate distractions. Shut the door or the window. Rearrange the seating.

Put the speaker at ease. Start with a chat – “How is the family?”. “I hear you have a new dog.”

Ask simple questions then stop talking “Are you happy at work?”” How can we do things better?”

Be patient  – don’t interrupt. Let the speaker finish what they are saying.

Keep calm. Avoid arguments or criticisms.

Encourage the speaker to continue with simple plain questions. “If you were the manager what changes would you make?” “Why did you say that?”

Summarise and review from time to time.

“You will please more people by listening to them than by talking to them.”

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)