Many people don’t listen well.
They think they do.
But, in reality, they’re just waiting for their turn to speak!
Do you do this?
It’s hard to know. So, here are some simple Self Test Questions we can do:
- When you think it might be your turn to speak, do you always jump in. Or do you W.A.I.T. (which stands for Why Am I Talking?!)
- When someone says something, do you ask “tell me more about that?” Or are you more likely to say “That reminds me of my story about me. Which is this – XYZ”
- Do you make good use of follow-up questions, using Question Words? Things like: “Why do you say that? What is the impact of that? Who does it affect? When do you notice this happening? How would you suggest we resolve it?” etc
- Reflect on recent conversations. Who spoke most? You or them?
- When you do a presentation, who says the most – you, your slides or your audience?
Active Listening is a skill we all think we’re “above average” at.
But half of us are worse than average. That’s what an average means.
So what can you do, to ensure that you’re nailing this?
Action Point
Have a quick check – are you as good at listening as you think you are? Ask yourself the Self Tests above. Ask for feedback from others. And, if in doubt, just ask “Tell me more?” more often!