I don't feel that anyone likes to not be listened to. It is a very frustrating feeling. That is why I try and make every conversation interactive. That way if they can answer my questions and show me they were paying attention I don't have to keep repeating myself.
Rachael, That is a common feeling, so you are not alone. What can you do to help your students always feel they are listened to?
Dr. Jean Norris
I feel neglected when I am not listened to, as if what I have to say is unimportant. This makes me more likely to shut down and keep my thoughts and opinions to myself as I feel they are not wanted.
Thacha,
Great awareness! Most people want to be heard and understood; so what you can you to do improve you communication?
Dr. Jean Norris
When I am not listened to I can get a little defensive. In taking this course i have learned a lot about myself and what i need to work on. Ive learned getting defensive get you no where and that nothing gets solved. Its best to analyze that the situation and communicate in a different way. It may not be that I'm not being listened to but just misunderstood.
Sandra,
Very true! Knowing how you felt in this situation, are more aware when other approach you to be heard? Excellent posts, thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
Recently, I put my all into a course I was teaching. It was the first time I taught this course and I was excited, motivated and self-directed to make it an outstanding experience for my students. Instead of recognizing that, one of my peers, criticized the format of one of my teaching vehicles. Mind you, they had no criticism of the content, just the formatting (margin, indention and font type). Since I had been given no format, or direction, by my superiors this was quite disheartening. How, you ask, does this relate to the question. Well, since my superiors were the ones that were approached with this criticism from my peer, I responded that I had worked hard on the course, and that it seemed fair to look at the output, results and such without focusing on the "format" (which was still beautiful in appearance). The superior never asked to look at the materials in question or survey my students. Nor did they talk/meet with me, and the peer who was criticizing. The subject was just dropped. This left me feeling unheard. Therefore, I was dis-motivated from this experience and was left feeling unappreciated and unimportant. Being heard is critical to output and passion in anything a person approaches whether it be in a job, or in a personal relationship.
It sounds like you understand the importance of listening and the impact it can have on a person. How do you let the other person know that you are listening?
Dr. Jean Norris
When somebody does not listen it can make you feel down or it can make you feel annoyed. It is important that when people communicate with each other that they listen to one another, this means that you are understanding what the person is talking about and you can give each other advice.
Erin,
Not a good feeling huh? How does this insight help you to be a better listener?
Dr. Jean Norris
When I do not feel like I am being listened to I get upset. I tend to change my tone of voice and answer questions with short responses.
It can be quite frustrating when we feel like we aren't being listened to, especially when it is other people with whom we work. Considering that effective communication relies on a give and take of information, how can you work with the high schools and your colleagues to improve the communication process?
When someone is listening to what you are telling them is shows that you are important to them and they are interested in what you have to say.
I have to admit, I feel frustrated. And I deal with TONS of people all day long who don't listen. It's not just my students. It's high schools that I send transcript requests to and colleagues.
I can certainly understand that feeling. What can you do to prevent or change those types of communication situations in the future?
When I feel I have not been listened to I feel like I have wasted my time and I know I will have to repeat myself again.
Great observation. What do you think you can do when you're in a situation when you're not being listened to? I'm also curious if this awareness helps you to be a better listener.
I feel frustrated and usually just shut down and loose my train of thought. It feels like a waste of time having a conversation with someone not listening.
So true! Being listened to is so powerful and can help you proceed through the communication hierarchy. Thanks for posting.
When someone feels they are really being listened to, it all falls into line. Good eye contact, walls are let down, attitude is good. The emotions are positive and that person can be honest and you can go from ritual to bonding. That holds true for any type of interaction. This was good.
