Another great comment, Catherine, and great awareness on your part. I'm curious, who do you think would benefit more from finding a solution to the student's problem?
Dr. Jean Norris
One action I can take is to avoid the problem-solving trap. I sometimes try to listen for facts that will help me solve the problem rather than listening to the student's total situation. I will try to use the tools of active listening to repeat, rephrase and reflect before I start to problem-solve with the student. I think this will enable the student to know I heard what they said before I try to find a solution. They will know the emotional part of the message has also reached me.
I think my biggest action that I can take is to clarify. Sometimes I misunderstand something someone has said and think oh no big deal when it really could be a big deal.
Virginia, Great awareness! The suggestions you made are great ways to assist in listening. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. Jean Norris
I tend to multi-task. I need to stop and listen.
Meaning turning away from computer, giving undivided attention to the person who is speaking to me.
Zachary, You stated that it's important to acknowledge listening by reinforcing- great job! Besides asking questions, what are some ways you can reinforce you were listening?
Dr. Jean Norris
Often we may want to acknowledge that we are listening or reinforce that we remember what we hear by speaking. I try to refrain from speaking when others are talking until there is a long pause. I also have been working on to ask more questions. In listening with a goal to ask questions, I really have to listen and think. By asking a question, it shows the speaker that I am listening and it keeps the conversation moving forward.
Latico ,
Excellent points! What is an action you are taking to improve your listening skills?
Dr. Jean Norris
You need to pay attention to effectively become a sincere listener. Provide feedback to let the student know that you are really paying attention to what they are saying.
ROSAIDA,
Great awareness! What are some specific actions you can take to improve your listening skills?
Dr. Jean Norris
One of my weakness is that I am impatient. I have been working on this since this obviously affect my relationship at work either with colleages o students. Sometimes we think we know what a person wants to say and we jumping to conclusions and this what makes misunderstanding between all parts and yourself. I think I really need to improve that part of my listening skills.
It's sometimes difficult to juggle all the activities we need to in a day and it's very common for people to try to multitask while listening. I remember a quote that went something like, 'Multitasking is the opportunity to screw up more than one thing at a time.' I like your plan to stop what you're doing to give undivided attention to the person who is communicating with you. Listening is a powerful tool!
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe I need to learn not to juggle too many activities at the same time. Since I do have a open door policy for the most part, I have visitors throught the day. There are times when I may be working on something and someone is trying to ask a questions or tell me how an interview went. I have to learn to put down what I am doing to truly focus on what the employee is telling me.
I believe that by asking more questions I will improve my listening. I think that holding what I have to say until the very end will allow for me to learn the key points the talker is conveying. Also minimizing multi taking will improve my skills.
Yes! Those are great things to work on. How will you measure your success with these listening goals?
Practice better eye contact and reflective statements. And always allow the individual to complete what they are saying, when speaking.
I feel the same way Jenny. I also get the same questons over and over again. I tend to forget that not every one knows the exact details of our programs. I will be working to improve communication with each individuale student.
repeat, restate and reflect...I need to use this more often to make sure that I am receiving the correct information ot help the student. this is a great way to stop selling the school and start helping the student find their needs.
I need to be more empathetic. This will give me a greater focus on improving my listening skills. I will pay more attention, not interupt, and get the whole story behind the story from the body language and the tone more so than the words.
I need to turn off my thoughts and put myself in the speakers shoes, knowing that I want to be listened to.
Technology can be both a help and a hindrance if we allow that to happen. Choosing to make your student and/or co-worker first, rather than your cell phone, is a great way to help the student/co-worker feel listened to and important. Great observation!
