INTERPERSONAL SKILLS FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE

EFFECTIVE LISTENING SKILLS

Listening, think about it. It is the first communication skill we learn. Developmentally, we learn to listen, then speak, then read and finally we learn to write. What skill did we spend the most time learning? Most likely you spent more time learning to write then you did on the other skills. And, you probably spent the least amount of time learning to listen. Currently, what communication skill do you spend the most time doing, it's listening. Osborn and Osborn (1994) research indicates that we spend 46% (11 hours) or our day engaged in the communication process, seven of those hours listening (64%).

In spite of the importance of listening in the communication process and in the workplace, many mistakes are made due to "miscommunications". How many times have you said or someone else say to you, "You must not have understood me correctly". Do you agree? Why is this so? It might be because hearing, like the beating of our heart, is routine. Hearing is routine, not listening. We think we are listening, but often we are on autopilot and just hearing words and noise, tuning out the real message. Remember, you probably have spent little time and attention in learning the important skill of listening.

Learning to listen seems boring. Learning how to give a powerful presentation or public speaking is exciting, and nerve racking at the same time. When you are engaged in those activities you have power. People are listening to what you have to say. You have an audience and the ability to influence others. What is the big deal about listening effectively? What do I have to show for being an effective listener?

Being an effective listener does have its rewards. When you actively listen to someone you will be perceived by as valuing and respecting them and that you care. These perceptions are important dynamics in building and maintaining mutual trust and mutual trust is an essential ingredient in being perceived as an effective physician leader.

“One friend, one person who is truly understanding, who takes the trouble to listen to us as we consider a problem, can change our whole outlook on the world."

— Dr. E. H. Mayo

 

Stay tuned, in the next Blog you will receive the keys to active listening