I have been working as a software consultant for more than 11 years. Because of that I am an eager supporter of lean principles and agile methods.
Most people aren’t promoted because they are good listeners. They get promoted because they are good workers, or worse, good talkers.
Sometimes we think of successful sales people as persons that are good at talking and being persuasive, when in fact they should be good at listening and being receptive. Listening is the most effective way to learn what customers value. Can we afford not to listen?
Many people don’t listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply. As listeners we can think approx. 500 words per minute, while the normal speaking rate is 150 words per minute. This gives us room to formulate the response in advance, but doing so you might miss out valuable information. Formulate your response after you have listened out everything that is said.
Want to become a better listener?
The Art of Listening
Also promoting listening: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0706377451/ref=ase_markforstthet-21/202-6707905-1194202
Left by Fredrik on May 23rd, 2006