Mastering the Art of Active Listening
According to Stephen Covey, being a good listener is the fastest way to build trust. Often in schools we are so busy, that we don’t really listen. Mastering these active listening skills can build trust and make our lives easier. Be fully present – Give the other person your full attention. If you have found your attention wandering off, come straight back to your speaker. Listen with your intellect, mind and heart and remain respectful at all times. Most of all, avoid the temptation to think about your response in advance. Avoid jumping to conclusions and making assumptions – Learn to listen ‘cleanly’. This means actively seeking to understand the other person’s point of view without adding your own judgments…