Question

Choose at least two of the eight specific behaviors are associated with active listening. Explain why you need to practice them, and what will be the potential benefits to your future as leader and communicator.

Answer 1

Answer

Two behaviours associated with active listening and their potential benefit as a leader and communicator.;

✓ paying attention to what the other person is saying.

✓ not being judgemental to avoid fear, conflicting situation, etc.

A listener needs to pay attention to what the other party is saying, simply hearing the words doesn't make any sense and it won't give the listener any opportunity to reply with rationality. Attention to the words and what the other person is trying to convey will help in sharing and exchanging information in an effective manner and there will be no misunderstandings. A leader must be an attentive listener, who understands what members are saying, what they need and how he can influence them.

An active listener must suspend judgemental behaviour, because, being judgemental increases the conflict and won't take the conversation to any good conclusion. It rather creates fear and a blame for something, which won't encourage the other party to open up for sharing further information. A leader must understand that his behaviour will impact the followers and employees, he must eliminate judgments so that his members won't feel fear and negativity to speak up freely. He need to value the words and understand the efforts of someone trying to say something. This how to strengthen the relationship with the other person and also removes negativity.