Peter, That is great question! I will pose the question to the forum: what do you think is the best way to balance meeting deadlines and being a good communicator?
Elizabeth Wheeler
Totally understand that ~! It is the same for me when enrollment deadline is near and the minimum number of the required enrollments are not meet. I really don't want to be impatient with student as I have always try to be understanding and empathic with my potential students, yet it does take a lot of time away from me. Sometime the potential student may not even wanting to enroll instead just shopping around for the information.
yah, what should we do to balance between meeting the deadlines and be a good communicator?
Brandon, I love that: "How am I going to change this person's life today?"! So great. Thank you for posting.
Dr. Jean Norris
I limit my listening by going back to the matter at hand or changing the subject. Sometimes students will go off on a tangent and bring you into a conversation that is too off topic. You have to regain control by focusing your mind on the ultimate goal which is "how am I going to change this person's life today?". So having a bridge to getting back to where we were is key. Always remember why we are here.
Shawn, Great AWARENESS! Keep it up!
Dr. Jean Norris
I really try not to limit my listening because I find that the students will give you the tools you need to provide them with the answer to their questions or concerns. However, because of this, I sometimes read to much into what they are saying and misinterpret what they are telling me. One thing that I have learned is that although you may have heard the same question a million times before, it is the students first time asking it, so patience is the key so they feel comfortable instead of bothersome when they are speaking with you.
Shawn, That can be difficult! What are some things you think you can do to help them move into the positive?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I find it difficult sometimes when you're listening to a person who keeps repeating themselves or no matter the response you give them, they are only caught up in the negative. It is sometime difficult to help them understand the positive.
I sometimes find that if multiple people ask me questions in a forum, I focus on certain key words to ensure I get answers to everyone. I know sometimes it is not best as answers can be vague when needing more depth
Elizabeth, I like your name! ;) Great insight on your part. Also, even though you may have heard the student's questions/answers before, are they always the exact same?
Elizabeth Wheeler
My primary listening limitation is thinking about the next step and what I am going to say next. It usually happens when I have already had several interviews that day. Now,what I do is go back to the best method to avoid this limitation and that is to block out my desire to do this by getting back on track by listening!
I limit my listening by interrupting a conversion because I already know the response I will be giving. This module has given me an insight of how rude and unprofessional this can be to the person asking the questions. I have caught myself just giving the answer instead of listening to the entire story. I try to collect facts and then give my response based on that. Moving forward I will allow individuals to complete their question and then I will answer.
Janet, Recapping is a best practice, nicely done! It helps the student to feel as if you are listening to them :)
Elizabeth Wheeler
SLOW DOWN. I enjoy talking to my students. I get empowered from my conversations with them, so my main improvement would be to slow the conversation down to make sure I am hearing everything and restating for the student so they know I heard everything and have considered what they are saying.
Russell, Turning off your filters is key! This will help to open up the lines of communication, as well as help your listening skills.
Elizabeth Wheeler
Janet, Great awareness! What can you do improve your listening?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I notice I do a lot of the talking as I have so much information to give. Demonstrating empathy is a very important trait in admissions. Active Listening is the best way to demonstrate your level of empathy and sincerity to help others. My secret is that I have a sincere desire to understand the client so that I can help find solutions for the status quo they are seeking to change.
Benny,
I too share a lot of common life events with the students at my school, so its hard for me to stay unbiased at times and want to jump to sympathy statements to show the student I know what they have/or are going through. It has helped at times to ease a students fears that they are talking to someone who has been in their shoes, but I try to keep "my story" to a minimum unless they ask me to share more. A definite fine line..
When I get a really engaged student on the phone, sometimes I am too excited to share information about the program they are interested in. So, I catch myself forming my response to what they are saying and not paying 100% to what they are sharing with me.
The way I limit my listening is when I wander mentally when the student is talking. This usually happpens when I know I have another student coming in soon and the current prospect does not appear to be interested in enrolling. I start thinking about the next student who was very enthusiastic on the phone. I am trying to eliminate this problem by being more focused on the person I am with and filter out any other thoughts or my next interview.
