Listening: Effective Interpersonal Communication
Listening: Effective Interpersonal Communication
Mark McLean
BUS600
Prof. Donny Bagwell
August 8, 2011
Listening: Effective Interpersonal Communication
Modern day business managers spend the majority of their time communicating in one form or another, either by e-mail, on conference calls, in meetings, teleconferencing or face to face. As Eccles and Nohria (1992) point out, “managers spend very little time by themselves…they spend most of their time interacting with others – both inside and outside the organization” (p. 224). Technology continues to move at light speed providing newer, faster and more convenient ways to communicate, often it has become too easy to type an e-mail, send a text or instant message, or even leave a voice mail (knowing no one will answer) often minimizing the effectiveness of face to face, interpersonal communication. As business managers continue to have tasks and responsibilities added to their already full plates, face to face communication is rapidly becoming a lost art form, and with it the skill of listening continues to be devalued.
This paper will investigate the issues resulting in poor listening and will show the value that comes when mangers truly listen to their people. The paper will also support the position that face to face, interpersonal communication is an effective way to motivate fellow employees and will offer recommendations on how to maximize time with peers through better listening skills. This paper will utilize standard APA writing methodology for style, format and referencing.
Stephen Covey (2006), talks about the Listen First principle, saying it means more than to really listen – to genuinely seek to understand another person’s point of view by hearing their thoughts, emotions, experience and point of view – but to do listen first, then offer recommendations or
solutions. He goes on to explain that when leaders don’t follow the Listen First principle they cheat themselves – and the
Mark McLean
BUS600
Prof. Donny Bagwell
August 8, 2011
Listening: Effective Interpersonal Communication
Modern day business managers spend the majority of their time communicating in one form or another, either by e-mail, on conference calls, in meetings, teleconferencing or face to face. As Eccles and Nohria (1992) point out, “managers spend very little time by themselves…they spend most of their time interacting with others – both inside and outside the organization” (p. 224). Technology continues to move at light speed providing newer, faster and more convenient ways to communicate, often it has become too easy to type an e-mail, send a text or instant message, or even leave a voice mail (knowing no one will answer) often minimizing the effectiveness of face to face, interpersonal communication. As business managers continue to have tasks and responsibilities added to their already full plates, face to face communication is rapidly becoming a lost art form, and with it the skill of listening continues to be devalued.
This paper will investigate the issues resulting in poor listening and will show the value that comes when mangers truly listen to their people. The paper will also support the position that face to face, interpersonal communication is an effective way to motivate fellow employees and will offer recommendations on how to maximize time with peers through better listening skills. This paper will utilize standard APA writing methodology for style, format and referencing.
Stephen Covey (2006), talks about the Listen First principle, saying it means more than to really listen – to genuinely seek to understand another person’s point of view by hearing their thoughts, emotions, experience and point of view – but to do listen first, then offer recommendations or
solutions. He goes on to explain that when leaders don’t follow the Listen First principle they cheat themselves – and the
References: Agarwal, O.P. (2010). Effective Communication – l. Mumbai, IND.: Global Media. (pg. 55) Chapman, Gary Drucker, Peter. (2004). “What Makes an Effective Executive,” Harvard Business Review, June, 2004. Eccles, R., & Nohria, N. (1992). Beyond The Hype. Washington D.C.: Beard Books. (pg Ellis, Richard. (2002). Communication Skills – Stepladders to Success for the Professional. Bristol, GBR.: Intellect, LTD Nelson, B., and Economy, P. (1996). Managing for Dummies. Foster City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc Nichols, R. and Stevens, L. (1999). Harvard Business Review on Effective Communication. Boston, MA Smith, Pamela. (2005). Effective Internal Communication. London, GBR.: Kogan Page, LTD