Dealing with multiple distractions while on the phone can be a tremendous challenge. I get the sense that you try very hard to maintain your composure and professionalism even with interruptions. What are some of the techniques you use to ensure you don't lose your cool?
I find that I have limited by listening because I have had several interruptions and need to complete the conversation with the person on the telephone in a pleasant and professional manner.This can be challenging at times!
Great awareness, Antonio. We try so hard to keep everything going that it can be very easy to lose sight of the person in front of us. What might you do in your future interactions to ensure that you focus on the individual in front of you rather than the long list of tasks you need to accomplish?
I think internal listening is something that many multi-takers such as myself do often. The reason is that you have so many things that you are thinking about and working on you often don't use the focused listening needed when speaking with someone.
Interesting James. It sounds like you are aware of your listening limitations. Now, you have the opportunity for improvement. What specifically could you do the next time you run into that situation?
Typically when I get to the point where a inquiry is suggesting that I must prove that this education is worthy of their time and money. I usually try to let them know that is the reason they are here in the first place, to find out if it is the right fit. Also that there should not be any convincing that this would be the right career path for them, they need to know themselves if it is.
Thanks for sharing Shan. The important thing is that you recognize the issue. Now that you have identified this, what is your plan moving forward?
I think I limit listening because of a time restraint. I'm most often very busy and not able to spend a lot of time in conversations on the phone or emails.
depending on who I am talking to, I tend to do alot of internal listening. I should not always focus on my needs but others as well.
These are great techniques to use to improve your active listening, Lindsay. Good for you for being aware of when you tend to listen to your internal voice and have a plan for how you'll address these instances. Keep up the good work!
I know that sometimes in long interviews my mind wanders and I begin to listen only to my internal voice. It is most important for me to engage in active listening....so I need to practice asking more questions to clarify, focus on Repeat/Rephrase/Reflect.
Great insight, Carlos. It can be difficult to stop yourself from jumping to the next question, especially when you're interested in helping your students. What might you do to help you focus on what the student is saying rather than jumping ahead?
I think that I limit myself, by sometimes thinking about my next question in my head and not really focusing of what the student is trying to convey..
That's great Mae. I get the sense that you take great care to ensure you are truly listening to your students. Could you share with us how you work to maintain you patience in those difficult situations that you mentioned?
rare ocassions I limit my listening, just in unrespectfull or rude circunstances, I tried to have patience.
Great awareness Joy! Yes, pausing allows the talker to be able to communicate all of their thoughts.
I limit my listening by being to quick to respond at times. I have found that if I take a moment before responding, the other person will keep talking and thus, I get more information.
I get the sense that you are very aware of your listening limit and are taking steps to address it. Good for you, Hope. Let me know how it goes for you.
I am usually multitasking which is where i am not activily listening. I am always busy and have alot going on. What I have to do to give my audience my full attention is to stop doing other things and just focus on what they are trying to communicate to me.
It would be hard not to multitask nowadays, especially with the amount of technology at our fingertips! I'm definitely guilty of this limitation too! Again, knowing your limitations is the first step in understanding how you can adapt. I'd love to know how you adapt the next time you find yourself multitasking during a conversation and how it helped your communication.
