Listening

A MAP for Listening
I have often ask participants, “How difficult is it for people in your organization to make a mistake listening that cost the company $20?” Most people respond that they would be thankful if it only happened once a week instead of once a day. Considering that the average individual works 240 days a year, a daily mistake is costing the company $4800 per year per worker! Multiply that by the number of employees and it can get expensive.

Here is a little MAP to help with listening. M is for mental aspect of listening. Keep you mind focused on what is being said and resist mental distractions. A is for attitude. Create the desire to want to listen. We have all had the experience of really listening when dealing with a distraught family member or friend. At those times we listen because we know that it is important. The P is for the physical side of listening. Maintain eye contact, lean into the conversation, watch for nonverbal signals and react to what is said.

Try this MAP and watch your listening ability improve.