Musical artists are not successful unless their listening audience determines their songs are good. In business, success is often dictated by how well we listen to our customers, management and co-workers. Many studies over the past few years indicate that business leaders consistently rank listening among the top five skills they expect their employees to have. One misunderstanding in your job due to not paying attention could cost the company thousands of dollars.
To be a successful listener, you must believe in the power of listening. That power determines what should be acted on in order to succeed. Here are the characteristics of good versus poor listeners:
A good listener:
- Uses eye contact appropriately
- Is attentive and alert
- Is patient and does not interrupt
- Is responsive, using verbal and nonverbal expressions
- Asks questions
- Is empathic
- Shows interest in the speaker as a person
- Demonstrates a caring attitude
- Does not criticize
- Is open-minded
A poor listener:
- Interrupts the speaker
- Does not give eye contact
- Fidgets and does not pay attention
- Daydreams and shows lack of interest
- Changes the subject
- Is judgmental
- Gives unwanted advice
- Is too busy to listen