UNIT-1 LISTENING

EFFECTIVE LISTENING

WE all believe that we listen effectively. Therefore, very few people think they need to develop their listening skills. It’s not because listening effectively is so difficult. We were never conditioned to the fact that effective listening is one of the essential skills required to be employable.

Most of us have just never developed the habits that would make us effective listeners. Research has found that by listening effectively,

• We will get more information from the people we manage,
• We will increase others’ trust in ourselves,
• We will reduce conflict,
• We will better understand how to motivate others, and
• We will inspire a higher level of commitment in the people we manage.

Research shows that the average person listens at only about 25% efficiency.

Most people will agree that listening effectively is a very important skill, however, we do not feel a very strong urge to improve their listening skills. This is one area where we lack tremendously as an individual.

WHY EFFECTIVE LISTENING

Effective listening is a way of showing concern for subordinates, peers, family, boss-This helps in 

• Fostering cohesive bonds, commitment, and building trust.

Effective listening tends to reduce

• The frequency of interpersonal conflict and
• It increases the likelihood that when conflicts emerge, they will be resolved with a “win-win” solution.
• Also, if we effectively listen to the people we manage,
  • WE learn “what makes them tick.”
  • If we know what makes them tick, we will be more effective at motivating them.
  • We can encourage them when they need encouraging, and
  • We also get to know what kinds of things they value as rewards

for a job well done (e.g., public praise, autonomy, challenge, etc.).