SERIES: Taking Care of YOU! Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s a Better Listener of Them All?

Most all of us at one time or another have been guilty of not listening actively to those speaking. Sometimes we have a habit of half listening. We hear a person speaking, but we may not be listening. The speaker may not always know if you heard him/her, but they do know, often, whether you are paying full attention by observing your body language.  Did you know that by the end of the day, we can easily spend about 50% of our time communicating with someone? Are you aware that listening is a crucial step to excellence in communication?  Leaders and managers that have this unique communication trait are admired for their active listening skills.

You may not become THE best listener; however, you CAN become a better listener. How are your active listening skills?  Take care of YOU and be the full-attention listener you expect others to be when you are speaking.