This will make you a better listener...

What kind of listener are you?

Communication skills are among the top-rated skills. As per statistics 70–80% of your day is engaged in some form of communication, and 55% of this is involved in listening. At least in my previous role as an air traffic control officer, it was considered the most crucial skill; on it depended the safety of lives and property. I can attest that, thanks to this skill, there was never a near miss, accident, or incident on my duty/watch. A majority of your decisions are based on what you hear. But what kind of listener are you ?

Have you come across those people with whom you opened your heart and shared all your secrets, and to your great shock, they used that information against you. You thought they listened to you so intently and that you could trust them, but they backstabbed you. These kinds of people are 'Combative' listeners.

There are also six other kinds.

If the person you are speaking with is tapping on the table or looking at the clock, expecting you to finish it fast, perhaps they have some other agenda in mind. They are the 'Preoccupied' kind.

In the next example, the person you're speaking with is guessing what you're going to say next and simply waiting for you to stop so they can make their own point. They interrupt you in between just to share their own points. They are the 'Interruptor' kind.

Now, this next person you are having a conversation with is the least concerned about what you are saying; they just don’t care and show little emotion towards you. They are 'Whatever' kind.

When you speak with these people, they will analyze what you are saying and respond quickly with solutions. They provide you with unsolicited?solutions to your problems.?They?are 'Analysts' kind.

You are speaking, and the person is actively listening. They are empathetic and ask questions to understand you better without any judgment. They are the most efficient communicators. They are 'Engagers'.??

What kind of listener are you, and how do you deal with different kinds of listeners? #listeningskills #communicationskills #interpersonalcommunication inspired by Dale Carnegie's book .