Personal Productivity: Tips For Developing Active Listening Skills

Listening is arguably the most basic Interpersonal Skill, and one that writers should be especially interested in mastering.

Granted, writing is basically a solo activity, but personal interactions often steer the various steps in the Writing Process. If you don’t believe this, just think of how projects often get bogged down or go “off track” because of miscommunication or erroneous assumptions.

It's unfortunate, but many individuals confuse listening with their sense of hearing. But hearing and listening are two different things, and if you accept the definition of listening as "hearing with attention" then it's easy to distinguish the two.

In real terms, this means actively engaging in an interaction between you and the other person, something Psychologists and Counselors call "Active Listening". This is not a new concept by any means, but it is one that continues to remain valid, useful and simple to practice. Give it a try. You may be surprised by the results.

Here are the basic steps in the process:

1. Focus on the other person. Stop what you are doing and make eye contact.

2. Hear the other person out without comment.

3. Ask questions without being judgmental.

4. Summarize your understanding of the situation and review possible options.

5. Suggest a mutually acceptable follow up action.

It goes without saying that work environments can be noisy and full of distractions, and this certainly makes listening a challenge for anyone. But an Active Listener will find a way to work around distractions. Do you?

For more information, check out the Business Section of your local library or the Internet where you will find many useful resources on this topic.

Related Links:

10 Tips To Effective And Active Listening

Active Listening Steps

Hear What People Are Really Saying



Jack

Project Management: Tips For Developing Assertiveness Skills

That effective Project Management often demands a good measure of analytical skills is obvious, but as was mentioned in previous posts on this topic, it’s the Project Manager’s Interpersonal Skills that makes the process go.

In a perfect world, Project Managers would just dictate, but in the dynamic environments of most organizations, politics and personalities often stand in the way of this ideal. And like it or not, Project Managers must develop their People Skills in order to deal with this reality.

Granted, interpersonal considerations are an additional burden on the Project Manager. They are unwelcome stressors for sure, but they can be managed if the Manager does not fall prey to any insecurities they may harbor about themselves regarding their age, experience, education, temperament or background.

Simply put, if a Project Manager allows himself to be intimidated, then others will take control of the agenda and the Manager’s influence on the project will be marginalized. As such, having self-confidence in one's abilities is paramount. Beyond this is the ability to use one's self-confidence to be more assertive.

Of course, Assertiveness represents a major step for some personality types, but if it is approached as a skill that is practiced and developed within the context of the Interpersonal, Negotiation and Work Management Skills required to complete any given project, the stretch need not be so broad.

From an Assertiveness Standpoint, here are some important considerations to remember for each of these areas:

Interpersonal Skills

* Establish rapport
* Demonstrate a willingness to work with others
* Speak and act appropriately
* Solicit input and dissenting opinions
* Exhibit political awareness

Negotiation Skills

* Operate from a position of competence
* Work towards a win-win outcome
* Be flexible, but know when to stand your ground
* Form useful alliances

Work Management Skills

* Rank priorities
* Set realistic time frames
* Announce how you will monitor activities
* Set high standards
* Deliver what you promise

Assertiveness continues to be one of the more popular self-help subjects, and there are many books, articles and seminars available on the topic. An online search or a trip to your local library will yield many useful resources for you.

Related Links:

How To Increase Your Assertiveness Skills

Top Ten Assertiveness Techniques

Assertiveness Techniques That Work


Jack