In this day and age, we feel as if there is so much to get done and so little time; and often it is. So we are always trying to multitask and get the most done in the time we have. When I'm on the telephone or when I'm face to face I try my best to drop the multitasking mindset and just listen. Try focusing on what's being said and go from there. I use to jot down extensive notes when I'm on the phone now I try to refrain from doing so, instead just key points and fully engage in the conversation. I must say I am still a work in progress but I definitely can see the difference.
I agree. I do the same. You are thinking of all the things you need to get done in what time you have and it is easy to forget to listen deeply. Unfortunately if you are not really listening you are not truly maximizing your time anyways.
I know I get excited about presenting the program to the student, so I don't take enough time to get to know their background and listen to them for awhile.
Giseana, Great awareness! The most important part of change is being aware that what we are doing may not be working, and thinking about how to do it differently. Thank you for posting!
Elizabeth Wheeler
I am listening to the students because of life experience I feel like a know it all and have to catch myself and show the student empathy. We need to be always carefull of how we talk.
Laura,
Great self awareness! What can you do to make sure you stay focused in these situations?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I find that I limit my listening when I judge the conversation to be unimportant or uninteresting to me. I am guilty of "checking out" during meetings when I have little involvement in the subject being discussed. There have been times when I have missed opportunities to become involved because of not listening.
Belinda,
Great observation! Thank you for posting. Open ended questions give the other person the opportunity to discover things about themselves, as well as provide you with information. Do you find yourself asking questions that branch off of their answers to discover even more?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I can limit my listening whenever I do not ask enough open ended questions to explore more about students real wants and needs.
Thanks, Esteban!
It's hard to maintain 100% focus when there is so much going on around you. It sounds like you're able to tune out the distractions and concentrate on the student, which is great!
Dr. Jean Norris
i work in a small office and sometimes it may be a little hard to ignore what people around me are talking about. However, I always try my best to focus on what the student is saying and ignore everything else.
Thanks for sharing, Janet! It's true that it is difficult to listen without filters and be 100% present when having a conversation with another person. It shoulds like you make an effort to do this with your students...great job!
Dr. Jean Norris
It is hard to really listen to a student when you do not give your full attention to them. Many times I am so concentrated on the things that need to be done. I need to just put those things aside when a student comes into my office and really concentrate on their needs/feelings.
Thank you for your post, Abdul! We all have internal and external limitations on our listening and it takes practice to stay completely focused. There is always room for improvement when it comes to listening. Being aware of your listening limitations allows you to concentrate on becoming a better listener!
Dr. Jean Norris
Thanks Tania! We all have room for improvement when it comes to listening! There are so many internal and external factors that can get in the way. Truly listening without "filters" is a skill that takes practice. Do you have any favorite techniques for staying focused?
Dr. Jean Norris
i would like to think I am a good listener but after going over this course I do realize I have limitations on my listening skills. By trying to guess what the person is saying they want or need I am not fully listening.
There are many things can limit my listening:
* focus on the speakers what he said only but not the way he is saying it.
* focus on interruptions not the speaker actions.
* Thinking of other issues while we I am in communication.
* Prior judgment on the speaker. Like underestimating him.
* Selfish talk or one way communication.
*Prejudice.
Wrong time of communication will lead to insufficient time for listening.
Regards,
Abdul
The best way to balance meeting deadlines and being a good communicator is to try to do face to face interview with your potential students and screen out those who are just shop around for school instead of looking for upgrades.
This way time can be spend more effective on those with higher potential instead of those with lower chance of coming to my school.
Meanwhile keep telephone or written communication to lightly follow those who are not sure or undecided leads. This way, I can always follow them and when time is right than I can invite them to come back or lord them in for campus tour or school activities as to increase the chance of their enrolment.
Most of all, screen for the highest potential students and try to have a face to face meeting/conversation with them keep a frequent follow up to this group of students. Hopefully more time spend with higher potential students will result a better enrolment rate.
David, There are so many distractions going on all the time. It's great that you are aware of them! So, what can you do to help avoid being distracted?
Dr. Jean Norris
While reflecting on this question I imagine meeting with a employee or a student. First there is the phone from call from the front desk, another student, or even the boss. Second there is the computer letting you know you received an important email, or even worse the dreaded "IM" of someone needing your attention immediately. Thirdly it the co-worker or past student hanging outside your office door looking in the window while you are talking with someone. I do not enjoy this when meeting with my supervisor and try to avoid the interruptions to give the person my fullest attention in our conversation.
