Listening Skills Test

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1

"I'm really fed up with my job"
a ) It can't be as bad as my job -I'm so bored I could fall asleep at work!
b ) Are you saying that you would like something more from your work?

2

My manager drives me crazy!!
a ) Sounds like you have a problem with your manager..
b ) If I was you, I'd tell him to get a life!

3

"I just can't cope with the mountain of work:"
a ) That's tough. Did I tell you about my new job?
b ) It seems like you are under a lot of pressure at work..

4

"I wish I was better at communicating with my team"
a ) So you think you are not good at communicating?
b ) I'm sure you are fine, don't worry about it

5

"I was late with a delivery to my best customer. I am really worried that I might lose the business"
a ) There is nothing to be upset about. I am sure the customer won't mind
b ) Are you afraid that the customer will go elsewhere?

6

"I'm feeling really depressed at the moment"
a ) You sound unhappy. Want to talk about it?
b ) Just pull yourself together and you'll be fine

7

I don't feel confident about making that presentation
a ) If you want to be considered for promotion you need to take these opportunities
b ) Are you saying that you feel nervous about it?

8

I am concerned that the new sales projections are unrealistic. Can we talk about it?
a ) Sorry but you know we have to reach them..
b ) Sounds like your are finding the new projections hard to reach?

9

I am really worried about the effect of the recession on the business.
a ) I can see that you are concerned about the business right now.
b ) You are being negative. Try seeing the bright side for a change.

10

I can't wait for the weekend so I can get out of this place.
a ) You shouldn't be wishing your life away.
b ) So you are looking forward to getting away from work?

What is Active Listening?

Active Listening involves reflecting back the feelings and the content of what a person has said. If you use active listening techniques, you are likely to develop greater empathy with others. They will feel you are approachable and non-judgemental. It is a skill which can be developed with conscious awareness and practice.

Your Listening Skills Test Result..

2 points for the following answers in the listening skills test: 1b; 2a; 3b; 4a; 5b; 6a; 7b; 8b; 9a; 10b

Score of 15 points or more on the listening skills test: You are using active listening in the way you communicate with others. You are likely to be good at putting someone at ease and helping the conversation to flow. Your predominant style is empathetic - you are able to "put yourself in other people's shoes" to get a good understanding of their situation and how they feel about it. People are likely to come to you with their concerns and to discuss their views.

This knowledge can put you in a stronger position as a manager or leader. For example, you may become aware of potential problems at an earlier stage and work to resolve them.

Score of less than 15 points on the listening skills test: It is possible that at times you respond to people in a way that prevents good communication. This can often happen unintentionally by the words we use or how we react. Sometimes we can be too sympathetic - and make a situation worse. On the other hand, we can be too apathetic, not wanting to get involved.

You can communicate more effectively when you are empathetic, which involves the skill of active listening. Being aware of the responses to avoid when talking to others will help you improve your active listening skills. And remember that we are all human - it is impossible to "get it right" all the time. Being aware of what is involved in "active listening" is the first step.

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Take a look at these Empathy Blockers to find out what not to say when listening to others.

For a step by step approach to better communication, download our Communications Pack and/or Audio Guide.

For more tips, click on our main Communications page.

For communications training or consultancy, call +353 87 8126922, or Email Us.

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