The Importance of Effective Listening

The Importance of Effective Listening

One of the major reasons that misunderstandings occur between individuals is due to lack of effective listening. This problem results in confusion and the inability to receive message being sent. Many people think that they possess effective listening skills and as a result they disbelieve in the fact that listening skills can be developed. However, effective listening can be developed and this would make people become better listeners as well as better communicators. “If you’re not communicating effectively with clients, staff and the market then you’re missing opportunities (Demers, 2014). “Research has found that by listening effectively, you will get more information from the people you mange, you will increaser others’ trust in you, you will reduce conflict, you will better understand how to motivate others, and you inspire a higher level of commitment in the people you manage” (Effective Listening). It is clear that effective listening has many advantages and pros in the workplace. An effective listener, whether it’s an employee or a manger, will be able to receive important information and utilize it in the benefit of the business or firm. This will also build up trust between the individual and other people such as boss or clients. “Research shows that the average person listens at only about 25% efficiency” which means that the 75% of listening is ineffective or inefficient (Effective Listening). This suggests that people besides wasting time, they also omit or neglect information that might be significant. One of the first steps to become a better listener and communicator is self-awareness. When a person knows and understands his/her weaknesses and strengths then he/she would be able to develop him/herself in terms of communication and listening skills which ultimately result in an individual who is capable of becoming a leader.

The Effective Listening/Communication Self-Evaluation is an activity that can offer...