Exercise 1

Look at the example below. Write down your own example of where you have experienced someone actively listening to you and another where you believe you have not been listened to. What makes you you reach this conclusion in both of these examples? Be ready to share this in your next team discussion.

EXAMPLE: ACTIVE VERSUS PASSIVE LISTENING

(A) Lorraine was explaining the new project she wanted to initiate, but Mary’s mind was already made up. She had decided that Lorraine didn’t have the managerial ability to lead the team on a project, so she let Lorraine explain herself as a matter of courtesy but didn’t take in any new information.

(B) Samantha was vitally interested in what Paul had to say about the new project he was proposing. She repeated back what she thought she was hearing. She asked questions. She asked how Paul felt about this and that, and expressed her own feelings. She went below the surface to see what Paul intended to accomplish. She was actively involved in the conversation. She listened with her heart as well as her intellect.