Do I Have Good Listening Skills?

Do you ask follow-up questions during a conversation?

Do you avoid reacting angrily to criticism or disagreements?

Do you have strong empathy?

Do you think beyond words to truly understand your conversation partners?

Do you know how to respond regardless of the topic?

Do you recognize your shortcomings as a listener?

Do you use your body language to show you are listening?

Do you see listening as a learning process?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have good listening skills. Listening is one of the most important skills a person can have. Whether you are a good listener has a huge impact on your relationship with others and on job success. To improve your listening skills, you can practice active listening. This means that you will train to make a conscious effort to hear what the other person is saying, and to understand the complete message. You need to pay careful attention to the other person in order to do this. Make sure to not become distracted, or to form counter arguments while the other person is still talking. Besides, don’t allow yourself to get bored.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs of a good listener, but you can work on improving this skill. Listening is a rare and unique communication skill that is essential in all parts of our lives. The key is that you maintain the intention of listening to others all the time. Besides, it’s important to forgive yourself on moments where you miss the point of what the other is saying. Only with this attitude you will improve your skills. There are several key active listening techniques you can use to become a more effective listener: pay attention, show that you are listening, give feedback, avoid interruption, and respond appropriately.

Based on your answers, you are displaying various signs typically seen among individuals who have good listening skills. That’s great news! Listening is one of the most important skills a person can have. Whether you are a good listener has a huge impact on your relationship with others and on job success. By being a good listener, you can avoid conflict, misunderstandings and be more productive. We listen to gather information, to understand, for fun, and to learn. Most of us are not good listeners, and we are likely to remember only 25-50 percent of what we hear. Therefore, you can consider yourself lucky if you are a thoughtful, studious and good listener.