THE ACT OF LISTENING: Communication's Most Fundamental Skill
"M ost people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." -Steven Covey Many believe they are good listeners. In reality, few are. Several factors affect listening. These include, but are not limited to, being distracted, having low interest, feeling anxious, or just basically not knowing how to best do this! The latter group may be well-intentioned but lacking in fundamental skills. And then there are those who are natural and gifted communicators; possessing both the innate ability to listen attentively and speak clearly. For most of us, intentional communication is a skill that requires honing, developing and practicing. Well worth it as with devoting time and effort, we will find ourselves and our communications becoming more intentional, purposeful and collaborative; thereby reducing unnecessary ambiguity and conflict. LISTENING The Communication Builder We often hear about the importance of communication in relationships but if y