active-listening

When we spend time with people who live in extreme poverty, and we listen to their stories, it creates dignity and connectedness - something they usually lack.

You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.

Active listening is one of the best services a company can provide.

Think about the people in your life with whom you have the most engaging dialogue__he ones who will listen to you and consider your opinions regardless of the topic. They'll stop whatever they are doing to give you their full attention. They become completely present and hear you.

The process of attentive listening makes the other person feel important, valued, and heard. For Nick, listening was, and still is, love. I've never forgotten that precious moment__nd the lesson!

If the skill of participatory listening came effortlessly and easy for everyone, there would not be so many misunderstandings, communication breakdowns, irritations, and frustrations.

Listening is one thing; however, ACTIVE listening is quite another. The first is a passive act which does not require great involvement, whereas, the latter is a consciously aware and deliberately focused effort to actively participate in the conversation.

This method enabled me to expand my territory and create a strong network of loyal customers for referrals and repeat business. Make active listening a deliberate part of your business plan and success strategy. You will not only grow your business, but also make wonderful friends along the way.

Active listening is the ultimate "Golden Rule" for sensational customer service. Just as the important people in your life will feel more valued and appreciated when you actively listen, so will your customers.

When you are mindfully focused, the person with whom you are communicating feels that you are making them a priority__hat you value their time and their perspective. It is in these moments that we can go to deeper levels of discovery, exploration, and connection. It is one of the most valuable gifts and finest compliments you can give to another.

ASK YOURSELF: How can you utilize active listening to provide sensational customer service? How will this help resolve complaints from unhappy customers?_ Give them your full attention and listen without interruption or defensiveness._ Thank them for bringing the issue to your attention._ Take their concerns seriously and share their sense of urgency to resolve the problem quickly._ Ask questions and focus on what they are really saying. _ Listen to their words, tone of voice, body language, and most importantly, how they feel. _ Beware of making assumptions or rushing to conclusions before you hear their concern fully._ Explain, guide, educate, assist, and do what__ necessary to help them reach the resolution._ Treat them with respect and empathy.When you do an amazing job of resolving an unhappy customer__ problem, you may end up impressing them more than if the problem had never occurred. You may have just earned their loyalty . . . forever!

Active listening is key to all healthy and effective communication, however, it doesn't necessarily come easily.

You can have the perfect message, but it may fall on deaf ears when the listener is not prepared or open to listening.These listening "planes" were first introduced by the American composer Aaron Copland (1900-1990) as they pertain to music . . . 1. The Sensual Plane: You__e aware of the music, but not engaged enough to have an opinion or judge it.2. The Expressive Plane: You become more engaged by paying attention, finding meaning beyond the music, and noticing how it makes you feel.3. The Musical Plane: You listen to the music with complete presence, noticing the musical elements of melody, harmony, pitch, tempo, rhythm, and form.

My friend John is an urgent care physician who has several patients who come to see him for various ailments on a regular basis. In addition to being brilliant and taking wonderful care of his patients, he has a unique ability to empathetically listen to his patient__ needs. One of his patients is a repeat visitor, even when she's not exhibiting symptoms. He takes the time to listen to how she's feeling and responds with kindness, empathy, and caring. He has come to realize that her visits are filling her deep need to feel validated, cared for, and understood in ways which she does not receive at home. His empathetic listening delivers incredible customer service for patient care and makes him a better health care provider. Wouldn__ it be incredible if this was the manner for not only doctors, but all professionals?

Think of the communication that takes place in your own life on a continuous basis__t home, at work, with friends, and beyond. When you actively listen to people, you enhance communication.

Listening actively confirms for people that you are positively receiving and thoroughly understanding the message they are conveying.

14 Ways to Become an Incredible Listener1. Be present and provide your undivided attention.2. Seek first to understand, then to be understood.3. Listen attentively and respond appropriately.4. Minimize or eliminate distractions.5. Focus your attention and energy with singleness of purpose on what the other person is saying.6. Quiet your mind and suspend your thoughts to make room in your head to hear what is said__n the moment!7. Ask questions and demonstrate empathy.8. Use your body language and nonverbal cues constructively and pay attention to theirs.9. Follow the rhythm of their speech; hear their tone.10. Repeat and summarize what you have heard them say to confirm understanding.11. Be open-minded and non-defensive.12. Respond rather than react. 13. Be respectful, calm, and positive.14. Try to resolve conflicts, not win them.

Now let__ look at the flip side. When a diligent and caring person receives your complaint, they have the power to turn a challenge into a triumph. Through active listening, they demonstrate that your satisfaction is their top priority. They not only seek to solve your problem, but they are dedicated to re-earning your trust, your respect, and keeping your business.