“Why don’t you listen?” or “Are you listening?” are questions we frequently ask colleagues, friends and family members. Of course in certain situations you might be THINKING this rather than vocalising it! You could be sharing valuable information; checking what time something is happening or seeing how the person is, but they don’t respond! It can be very frustrating, and actually the person ‘listening’ can miss out.
As someone that has just called the Good Shelf Company, I experienced someone at the other end, who had minimal listening skills and wasn’t taking any notice of me, despite being a customer. It is very frustrating when you aren’t listened to.
However, there are times when you need to listen, and to listen effectively. If MADAM from The Good Shelf Company had taken the time to listen, I would have a more positive opinion of the company, and ineffective listening, can damage a brand whether it is a personal brand or company one. In the latest Superstar Communicator podcast, I share different styles of listening – including ignoring, and discuss when it is appropriate to really ‘zone in’ on conversations. Listen to the podcast.
For example, there is a difference between actively listening, and selective listening, yet the latter might be more appropriate for certain situations. Listen here. I also discuss when we need to have emphatic listening – although it would be exhausting to use this method constantly.
We’re all being asked to speak at webinars and hangouts so Speak Easy