7 Most Common Habits of the Best Listeners (Inc.)

Question 1

Why is listening so important, for leaders?

Answer 1

A recent study at George Washington University showed that listening can influence up to 40% of a leader’s job performance.

Question 2

Is effective listening nature or nurture?

Answer 2

Nurture! It can absolutely be learned and mastered.

Question 3

What strategies can enable one to become an effective listener?

Answer 3

1. Focus: Not letting your thoughts distract you
2. Putting away your phone
3. Asking good questions
4. Practicing reflective listening
5. Using positive body language
6. Not passing judgment: Being open-minded
7. Keeping your mouth shut

Question 4

What does asking good questions mean?

Answer 4

Asking clarification questions that show that you are listening and that you care about what they are saying.

Question 5

What is reflective listening?

Answer 5

The listening strategy of paraphrasing the meaning of what is being said, to make certain you’ve interpreted the speaker’s words correctly.

It consists of using your own words to show that you have absorbed the information.