Question

Listening is a key for job success. Page 153 of the textbook describes four listening styles. In 150 wordsor more, describe a situation in the workplace where you witnessed how different listening styles created conflict? What tips or strategies could you offerin this situation.

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Answer 1

Listening is undoubtedly the key to success. In fact, listening is essential to be able to understand others. It’s said that listening is the first language skill we develop in our infancy, which implies that all our cognitive skills are directly dependent on our listening abilities. A keen listener can easily become a good leader. In fact, listening is considered to be one of the most important qualities of a good leader. The textbook suggests that there are mainly four types of listeners including people or speaker oriented listeners (who are more attentive towards the speaker rather than what is being said), content oriented listeners (those that pay attention to every word spoken), time oriented listeners (these are pressed for time and want the speaker to come to the point without wasting time), and finally action oriented listeners (these are more focused on what the speaker wants rather than other details). With listeners being so different in their approach and style of listening, conflict is obvious at workplace or elsewhere.

Strategies for alleviating conflicting situations at workplace due to different listening styles

It is advisable that you listen to the speaker, reflect what is being said, and finally question or enquire, if you have any confusion, doubt or question. Make sure you manage time well and have adequate time to listen to the speaker. Good eye contact is important besides maintaining facial and body language in check. Please be informed that it is difficult to listening during times when emotions are on a roller coaster. So, cool down and think if the conflict is really worth it? Don’t listen just to hear what you actually want the speaker to say. Simply put; don’t try to supply your words in the mouth of speaker. Don’t seek approval from the other person on your views or viewpoints. Make sure that you listen to the speaker always with an unbiased and open mind. Make the other person feel heard. Stress and ask open ended questions so that you get more information. Don’t underestimate the significance of listening.