Be Thirsty for Knowledge

Creating Optimal Performance Levels in Challenging Times
Mark David
Mark David
Executive Coach,
Author

NEWSLETTER ~ September 2011

Be Thirsty for

Knowledge
Be Thirsty for Knowledge

Be Quiet
to Be Heard

Listening…the key to effective communication

In this issue, I'm sharing
listening techniques to
support your growth and
development in the area of communication.

Quiet Your Mind
Do not distort the data
you receive with your
judgments experiences,
biases, opinions, etc. Hear with clarity and objectivity. By doing so, you will make better decisions and
recommendations. It all
goes hand in hand.

80/20 Rule of Listening
Listen 80% of the time
and talk 20% of the time.
Preplanning your questions and talking points prior to a conversation will help you listen intently.

Preplanning clears and
quiets your mind so that
you can focus 100% of
your attention and listen
effectively. You will
accomplish so much more during each meeting by being prepared.

Listen in order to
Understand Their
Language

When you ask questions or make statements, speak the other person’s language. This opens the door to a deeper conversation and increased understanding. People will not want to admit that they do not understand you. Instead
of using your language and/ or acronyms, Listen to their language while they speak with you. Tie your
thoughts to their goals, needs, wants and realities. Talk to them from their perspective.
This will naturally allow
them to open up to your
ideas, recommendations and solutions.

I hope you enjoy the rest of this issue and are reminded of a few basics of being a better listener
which will make you a better communicator.

Don’t forget, I’m only a telephone call away if you need any further support, 650-341-6504.

Your Coach, Mark David

 

Objectivity = Good Listening = Good Communication

Listening requires objectivity and patience. You must be willing to clear your mind to hear what others are saying to you.
  • Many people are so determined to be heard that they often ignore what is being said.
  • Listening "against" means you are already thinking of what YOU want to say before the other person has finished delivering a
    message.
  • Practice "quieting" your mind. Turn off your internal self-talk and listen intently and objectively to what other people say in the truest and clearest way possible.
  • Separate your thoughts, assumptions, and reactions from the other person's words.
  • Maintain an open mind – ready to welcome their input, information and answers.
  • Focused listening increases your ability to connect with people and improves your communication skills. Listening teaches you
    patience.

This week, observe your listening process in a variety of situations. Identify the "filters" (personal agendas, biases, etc.) that surface when you are listening to others. Once you are aware, the easierit is to change and become a more effective listener.
Listening with your eyes will help you uncover the truth when it's hard to "see."
  • Discover the truth by viewing a person's physical actions and comparing them to their words.
  • Paying attention to things like body language, eye contact, and tone of voice can help you see beyond the words.
  • Words can create an illusion. Statements, promises, or commitments are meaningless without the proper action to complete them.
  • Actions draw a picture of absolute reality and clarity. Actions will reveal the true message and level of commitment behind words.
  • By listening with your eyes, you'll uncover potential issues, problems, opportunities and holes in communication

Find a situation this week where someone's actions and words are not in agreement. Use your eyes to listen and determine the true reality of the situation. What did you discover?

What will you change with new understanding?

Are your actions in alignment with your words.

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