Estimated studying time: 4 minutes
I’d prefer to assume we are able to all agree that listening is a vital communication ability. And we’ve talked previously about lively listening and empathic listening.
I used to be performing some workplace spring cleansing not too long ago and ran throughout an previous ATD InfoLine on listening. This one had a unique view on listening that I needed to share. It talked about understanding your individual listening type. The concept being that for those who perceive the way you prefer to hear, that could possibly be useful in understanding others and the way in which they prefer to hear. In fact, all of this results in higher communication. The 4 listening kinds talked about within the InfoLine are:
Analytical is targeted on logic and particulars. Analytical listeners attempt for accuracy and search for tangible proof to assist the factors being mentioned. For those who’re speaking with an individual with an analytical listening type, they are going to wish to see that you just’re ready and have knowledge and backup for no matter you’re discussing.
Amiable is targeted on constructing and sustaining optimistic relationships. When chatting with an individual with an amiable listening type, you would possibly discover that they hold their very own opinions to themselves and ask plenty of questions earlier than sharing their very own ideas.
Driver is targeted on outcomes. Drivers aren’t afraid to talk out and share their ideas, even when they haven’t been requested for them. A person with a driver listening type could possibly be perceived as pushy or direct. When speaking with them, it’s greatest to be direct and get to the purpose rapidly.
Expressive is targeted on having enjoyable. They’re enthusiastic and artistic. People with an expressive listening type may get bored simply. When speaking with them, it’s necessary to remain targeted so the dialog doesn’t go off on a tangent.
The very first thing that got here to thoughts as I used to be studying these totally different listening kinds was that we would have a unique listening type based mostly on who we’re speaking with and the subject we’re discussing. That’s what makes listening difficult. With the ability to acknowledge somebody’s listening type and reply accordingly.
I may see it being useful to know the popular listening type of your supervisor or colleagues. It could possibly be useful when speaking with them throughout division conferences or one-on-ones. Understanding listening kinds can be nice when making requests or presenting a enterprise case.
This dialog about listening kinds jogged my memory of an necessary facet of communication that we don’t spend sufficient time speaking about – that’s know your viewers. Not simply listening kinds but additionally what’s one of the best medium to speak with them and what’s one of the best time of day. Within the enterprise world, we spend plenty of time making an attempt to promote our concepts to different individuals. The easiest way to try this is by speaking with them in a approach that they like. They’ll be extra receptive to what we’re proposing. Granted, it doesn’t all the time imply we’ll get what we’re asking for … however the dialog shall be higher.
It’s additionally an excellent reminder that we should always let others know one of the best ways to speak with us. Are there some methods we are able to clue others into what we count on? And this may assist them be taught our listening type. I may see phrases like “let me take some notes whereas we’re chatting” or “how do you’re feeling about this example” or “I’ve a restricted period of time proper now” or “what’s the impression of this on the long run” offering some advance indicators about learn how to proceed.
Listening is a vital communication ability. Not solely can we have to be good listeners, however we have to perceive how others prefer to hear. It’ll assist form communications and yield higher conversations.
Picture captured by Sharlyn Lauby whereas exploring the streets of London, England
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