Blog entry by Olamide Olabisi

Anyone in the world


olamide

If there is any skill I never paid attention to in the past, perhaps it would be active listening, the ability to skillfully listen attentively to understand the context of the subject matter been discussed, and adequately drive the conversation along to reach a reasonable conclusion.

It's by far been one of the best things I have learnt this week and I'm beginning to make sure I practice this new skill even though the old habit creeps in occasionally. As managers, we must possess the rare skills of active listening, because it helps us to gain more information, improve our understanding of others view point and to essentially cooperate with them to reach set objectives and goals.

We must look and sound interested in the other speaker, we must engage the speaker and let them lead the conversation while we take important notes that help us understand what they are saying.

Many managers and consultant spend less time cultivating their listening skills just so they can articulate and communicate their own views. The word for today is to develop your active listening skills.