Our education has always prioritized reading, writing and conversation as the main communication skills, and left listening skills behind.
Most people give little value to the importance of listening more effectively and, when they listen, they are rather preparing a response and thinking about regaining control of the conversation instead of understanding. This habit often results in unhappy customers and ticked-off colleagues and employees.
The ability to listen actively is considered one of the key qualities in a work context. The issue is that most people don’t realize how their bad habits can affect and obstruct their capacity to listen, and consequently, the effectiveness of their communication.
Many among us assume we are good listeners, but it is not the case. Studies show that the untrained listener listens with an average effectiveness rate of 25%. Listening is a skill that can be learned - a competence that can be developed.