Listening in the Workplace
Listening skills are important for career success and organizational effectiveness. Considered one of the soft skills, listening skills allow you to improve the effectiveness of your communication with supervisors, colleagues, and customers. To become a more powerful listener, you can employ a variety of techniques.
For example, if you’re having trouble focusing on a message, you could
A. take a break
B. become actively involved
C. change the subject
Read the following situation, and then answer the questions.
You have been working in an entry-level position in the Environmental Health and Safety division of a company for the last six months. You spend your time reviewing safety reports, entering them into the database, and compiling statistical analyses of the results for your superior, Ray Blaine. Lately, Mr. Blaine has been asking you when each report will be finished. Following this query, Mr. Blaine often compliments you on the results of your past analyses.
2. What is the most important message your superior is trying to deliver?
A. He is worried about the results of your analysis.
B. He wants to know when the report will be ready.
C. You are ready for a promotion.
3. What can you do to listen more effectively to your superior?
A. Lean forward and make eye contact.
B. Paraphrase his questions in return.
C. Ask questions in return.
4. Read the following situation, and then answer the question.
Sabrina is in a team meeting. The team is discussing which direction it should go with its current project. Each team member has a different opinion; therefore, according to team procedures, each member has two minutes to present his or her argument to the team without interruption. After each member has presented his or her perspective, there will be time for questions and discussion. Sabrina is attempting to truly understand each team member’s position.
What should she do during pauses in the presentations? Check all that apply.
A. She should check her e-mail.
B. She should capitalize on lag time.
C. She should quietly talk to the teammate next to her.
D. She should plan her response.