February 2014 Newsletter

 FREE Resource

  GTI Logo       
 
The discussion questions from Getting to It are here! They are broken down by chapter, and are a quick way for you to reconnect with the key strategies from the book whenever you are feeling overwhelmed by the tsunami of "something elses."

The questions are also a superb tool to use with your team at work as you deal with all the distractions facing you on a daily basis. While reading the book prior to answering the questions is ideal, they are also strong discussion starters for those who haven't read Getting to It.  

 

To download the discussion questions, simply click here. 

  

 

Favorite Quotes 

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
-Winston Churchill

Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.
-Robert Frost

I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.
-Ernest Hemingway

You get nothing done if you don't listen to each other.
-Barbara Bush

To listen is an effort and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also.
-Igor Stravinsky

Effective listening is about building trust with the other person and not just hearing what was said.
-Jones Loflin

Quick Links

Blog Spotlight

Looking for a fresh tool to use in helping you better manage your time? Glad you asked... that's actually it. To learn more, read the blog, The Forgotten Tool of Time Management.
Join Our Mailing List!

The "Its" of Effective Listening 

     

When was the last time you felt like someone was really listening to you? It seems like most people simply listen long enough to get enough information to respond and then try to force the conversation to a close so they can move on to their next thing. Research about today's workplace is showing that the inability to listen effectively is one of the biggest challenges facing today's workers. 

 

The good news is that those who will demonstrate good listening skills are seen as more knowledgeable, caring, and qualified to serve in advanced leadership positions. Exercising these skills outside of work can also set the stage for stronger family relationships.

 

Some of the most "Important Things" or Its you can embrace to make you a better listener include:

 

Recognizing the value of every individual. What does this have to do with listening, you ask? When we see others as having value, we tend to listen more closely to what they are saying. Even if the person talking is someone we find difficult to work with, forcing ourselves to recognize some of their positive qualities helps our mind be more motivated to listen to what they are saying. 

 

Listening to understand. While we talk at 100-150 words per minute, our brains can think at 1000-3000 words per minute. So you can see why it's so easy to have your mind wander while trying to listen to someone. When you feel your focus waning from the individual you're listening to, listen more intensely to their words. Try and summarize what you are hearing while they are talking and be prepared to summarize when they are finished speaking. Give your brain something to do related to the person in front of you instead of letting it just work on it's own.

 

Show you are listening. Smile and use other facial expressions. Check your posture. Does anything in the way you are sitting or standing say to the other person, "I'm not interested in what you are saying?" Leaning forward is always a quick way to show your interest. Refrain from holding anything in your hand like a pen, phone, or even car keys. Any of these items are distracting, and send the message to the speaker that you have other things you would rather be doing.

 

Offer feedback. Use phrases like, "I think I hear you saying..." or "Let me see if I understand..." If you are unclear about something they said, use a question like, "Help me understand what you meant by..." Asking questions shows you want to get the full intent of what they are saying to you.

 

Don't be judgmental. Because of our desire to move on quickly to something else, we try and figure out where the conversation is going, and make a quick judgment about what is going to be said. Try to refrain from making such judgment calls before they finish. Focus instead on summarizing their comments in your head as they are speaking and trying to listen for key words or phrases that give deeper insights about what they are trying to tell you.

 

Give an appropriate response. Once they are done talking, make a decision about what you think they want you to do in response to their comments. They may have just wanted you to listen, or they may be asking your opinion. If you aren't confident of what they are expecting from you, ask.

 

Just be prepared to reap some incredible benefits from being an effective listener-because it's rare in today's world, and people will notice more than you can imagine.  

 

What is one active listening skill I can practice today? 

  

 

 Featured Video 

Making It Happen Program Excerpts from Jones Loflin
Excerpts from Making It Happen

 

Product/Service Highlight

 

Something For Your Entire Organization 

 

Several times a year I am asked to work with an entire organization at an offsite event. The day normally includes updates on company policies, products, or services and a time for the employees to interact with each other. They also want a few hours of training related to a workplace issue facing the entire organization, and that's where I come in.

 

Sometimes the topic is broad like change or stress reduction, while other times it may be something extremely specific to customer service, motivation, or even strategic listening. Organizations appreciate my approach that connects with individuals from all levels of the company. 

 

If your organization has an upcoming event that involves the entire staff, I'd welcome the chance to build a presentation for you. Just send me an email, and I'll start asking the right questions. 


  
Until Next Time,

Jones

 

You are receiving this newsletter because you have inquired about the speaking and training programs offered by Jones Loflin, received a copy of one of his books, Getting the Blue Ribbon, Juggling Elephants, or Getting to It, or signed up for his newsletter. To schedule Jones for a keynote or training program for your organization, email us or call 800-853-4676.

 

Jones Loflin It Book Cover B cover  No Shadow