The Effective Listening Survey was eye opening for me. I've always believed that a large part of my role as a librarian is making connections and finding resources. I'm also someone who uses copious analogies and anecdotes when working with students and colleagues. The survey really zeroed in on the weaknesses in my listening technique and habits.
One important reminder for me was that making assumptions is often counter-productive. In my rush to be "helpful," I may be missing the point, and in anticipating the needs of the person I'm listening to, I may not be respecting or fully understanding their experiences.
I am often meeting with or assisting people informally while monitoring the library space, emailing, assisting in check-out etc..., pausing briefly, but not fully turning away from whatever I am in the middle of. In my attempt to help everyone, I think I'm actually not able to help many of them very well. I've often said that I'm a master multitasker, but maybe there are times when this isn't an asset but an obstacle.
This image is from a blog post and is aimed at an audience of teachers looking to become more active listeners when working with students, but I'd argue that these tips are useful for anyone looking to become a more active listener.
In order to listen fully, I think there are several things that I will need to work on implementing.
- Closing my laptop (or browser, or book, or paperwork) & putting away my phone.
- Trying to use the informal moments to plan for dedicated time- free from immediate distractions.
- Working to focus fully on what is actually being said without making assumptions and trying to anticipate the speaker's needs before they've even fully voiced their needs or questions.
These efforts alone won't guarantee that I'll instantly be a better listener, but I hope that combined with my new-found awareness of what productive listening should look like, I am able to become a supportive mentor who can assist in my mentee's professional growth.
The Listening Survey results always bring us up short. They seem to go against all that we have thought was best practice-sharing our knowledge, stories, and expertise; multitasking to be able to do all things at once; and to show that we are on top of everything. Full stop-this includes me, at least until I was introduced to Mentoring Matters. Ok, it is just a way to jump start our own learning about effective communication, and an opportunity to do better-in school and in life. Thanks for your take on it and your infographic on Active Listening.
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