Chapter 3 Concept - Week 6

In Chapter 3, the idea of different styles of listening and ways of responding cued my interest.  The book repetitively states, "We can not not communicate", for even not saying anything, is a form of communicating! When I would wait for a response, and the "silent" treatment is given, I know that reaction obtains anger in the other individual, and he or she is upset and wishes to end or not continue on with the negative conversation.  Active listening is crucial, very crucial, in today's environment for allowing other to feel comfortable and overall connect.  As I have experience in customer service, I believe it does make a difference when I respond to a customer's "story" about his or her day by active listening.  1) They tend to tip more because he or she notices you are engaged into the conversation respectively. 2) A customer can relate and show positive feedback because you are signifying an actual intake of information, not just a head nod or small laugh.  Empathetic listening is listening to another person and responding by paraphrasing what he or she has already said.  I love how the book also states, "You need to respond to what is not said as well is what is said".  Sometimes the answers to other people's problems lie in depth of what he or she has not told you.  Empathetic listening shows that another person is actually engaged especially they can repeat what the speaker just said.  I get frustrated when I express myself and the responder can't even adhere or repeat the material I just said.  Listening is extremely important, I mean it's half of the holy grail of communication. And to be a superior listener is excellent, because follow instructions for a job can determine whether or not opportunities will grow for an individual.