Fundamentals of Management, 8th ed

More E

Less E

Is easily distracted

Asks questions

Keeps an open mind

Asks no questions

Has preconceptions

Assimilates information

Disregards information

ffective Listening

ffective Listening

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F I G U R E 1 2 . 6

More and Less Effective Listening Skills

Effective listening skills are a vital part of communication in organizations. There

are several barriers that can contribute to poor listening skills by individuals in

organizations. Fortunately, there are also several practices for improving listening

skills.

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Part 4: Leading

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checking facts, and by otherwise being as accurate and honest as possible. The sender

should also try to be sensitive to the receiver’s perspective. A manager who must tell a

subordinate that she has not been recommended for a promotion should recognize that

the subordinate will be frustrated and unhappy. Therefore, the content of the message

and its method of delivery should be chosen accordingly. The manager should be primed

to accept a reasonable degree of hostility and bitterness without getting angry in return.

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Finally, the receiver should also try to be sensitive to the sender’s point of view.

Suppose that a manager has just received some bad news—for example, that his position

is being eliminated next year. Others should understand that he may be disappointed,

angry, or even depressed for a while. Thus, they might make a special effort not to take

too much offense if he snaps at them, and they might look for signals that he needs

someone to talk to.

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