Researchers dug into what makes a great listener and grouped the qualities identified into four main findings along with identifying six levels of listening:
- Good listening is much more than being silent while the other person talks.
- Good listening included interactions that build a person’s self-esteem.
- Good listening was seen as a cooperative conversation.
- Good listeners tended to make suggestions.
Source: Harvard Business Review, July 14, 2016.
While many of us have thought of being a good listener being like a sponge that accurately absorbs what the other person is saying, instead, what these findings show is that good listeners are like trampolines. They are someone you can bounce ideas off of — and rather than absorbing your ideas and energy, they amplify, energize, and clarify your thinking. They make you feel better not merely passively absorbing, but by actively supporting. This lets you gain energy and height, just like someone jumping on a trampoline.
INSIGHTS: Our team found this article brings a new perspective to the role of being a listener and its outcomes. All animal health professionals will benefit from reading and sharing this information.
I agree completely with the comments. I think a “good listener” makes the one speaking feel better about themselves through positive body language that would indicated total engagement.
Thanks Chuck.