Active Listening

What do you think is the hardest part of project communication?

The hardest part?

·      There's no question about it

·         Listening is the hardest part of communication

·      What is listening?

·         It is simply

·         Paying attention in order to hear!

·         Listening is a definite and distinct skill

·         Invaluable to any project leader

·         Unfortunately, it is seldom taught

·         And too rarely learned

·      Networking

·         Is the probably the most useful opportunity for listening

Listening tips - 1

Tips for active listening

·         Stop talking yourself

·         You can't listen and talk at the same time

·         Show you want to listen

·         Show attentiveness and interest

·         Be comfortable as a listener

·         Put the talker at easy

·         Lean forward, make eye contact

·         Be patient, allow time

·         Ignore distractions

Listening tips - 2

More tips on listening

·         Empathize with the speaker

·         Try to see the talker's point of view

·         Hold your temper

·         Anger displays more than words

·         Focus on the problem

·         Not on the personality

·         If you don't understand, ask questions

·         To clarify a point and show encouragement

·         But whatever you do

·         Stop talking!

Listening tips - 3

Still more tips on listening

·         Be open

·         Demonstrate equality

·         Not superiority

·         Show empathy, sympathy, fellow feeling

·         Demonstrate positive intent

·         Manifest a problem orientation

·         Show tolerance for ambiguity

·         Be aware of others in the group

Good advice

Don'ts

·         Don't criticize or argue

·         Don't interrupt, or be obstructive

·         Don't destroy sensitivity

·         Don't distract

·         By drumming fingers

·         Or jingling keys or coins

·         Signifying your impatience

·         Don't provoke personal abuse

·         Or cause defensiveness

·         Donít be a "Yes man"

·         Don't succumb to information overload!

Early warning

It is good to have early warning systems

·         Some sources of useful feedback (to you)

·         Simple surveys

·         Meeting or presentation exit surveys

·         Suggestion systems

·         Casual encounters

·         "The grapevine" (the local rumor mill)

·         Views of outside parties

·         Reviews and audits

·         Semi-social gatherings in a relaxed atmosphere