Listening: Self-Assessment

Objectives:
• To observe your own listening habits
• To discover instances of poor listening
• To prescribe specific ways of increasing effective listening

Directions:
Part 1. For the next five days observe YOUR OWN listening behaviors to discover instances of ineffective listening. Use the matrix below to record your observations. Use the example provided to guide your data collection but note that this example represents poor listening, while some of your experiences may be more positive. Try to capture examples that are representative of your typical listening experiences. A minimum of five specific observations are required.

Part II.

After completing the observation chart, review your experiences and type a brief response to each of the following questions. Attach your responses to the observation chart for submission.

1.Review the text Table 5.1 - “Barriers to Listening,” on page 142. Identify specific noise(s), perception(s) and pattern(s) of behavior that impact your listening skills. Which challenges affected your listening most frequently during the five days of observation?

2. Which type of listening (active, empathetic, critical, listening for enjoyment) did you find yourself doing most frequently?

3. Did you experience similar listening challenges in each of the types of listening, or did your challenges differ depending on which type of listening you were engaged in?

4. Prescribe specific and realistic ways you can increase positive listening behaviors in yourself.

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