blocks to listening

Assumptions: The Silent Killers of Effective Listening and Conflict Resolution

Assumptions: The Silent Killers of Effective Listening and Conflict Resolution

In our daily interactions, we often find ourselves making assumptions about what others think, feel, or mean. While this may be natural, assumptions can hinder our ability to actively listen and truly understand others. Active listening is a crucial skill in effective communication, enabling us to build stronger personal and professional relationships. However, when we start making assumptions about the speaker's statements, tone of voice, or body language, we veer away from active listening and compromise effective communication. Poor listening combined with ineffective communication inevitably leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. Assumptions become the silent killers of effective listening and conflict resolution. In this article, we will explore the impact of assumptions on active listening and conflict resolution, as well as strategies to overcome the barriers to they create. 

How to Actively Listen for Emotions and Why it Matters in Conflict Resolution

How to Actively Listen for Emotions and Why it Matters in Conflict Resolution

When it comes to conflict resolution, active listening is a crucial skill that can make all the difference in working toward agreement. Active listening involves not only hearing what the other person is saying but also paying attention to their emotions. In this article, we will explore the importance of acknowledgment, how to validate feelings, the value of empathy, how to seek clarity, the benefits of summarizing what is expressed. Actively listening for emotions is a powerful way to facilitate conflict resolution.

Even More Blocks to Effective Listening and How to Avoid Them (Part 3)

Even More Blocks to Effective Listening and How to Avoid Them (Part 3)

Most conflicts are the result of communication problems.  As a mediator, I observe people using blocks that get in the way of our ability to fully listen and hear what is said.  In this article, the final in this series, I discuss three listening blocks: playing devil’s advocate, agreeing with everything and talking too much.  If you can identify with any of these, you are in good company!  As with Part 1 and Part 2 in the series on blocks to effective listening, I show how you can avoid each one.