How important is listening in business communication?
Listening is an extremely important skill that must be cultivated in a business in order for the business to reach its full potential. According to the Encarta dictionary, listening is defined as making a conscious effort to hear or pay attention. There are many types of workplace listening such as listening to employees, customers, and superiors. A persons specific job in the company will dictate how much time they will spend listening and to whom they will listen. For example, if you are a manager you will more than likely spend a large portion of your time listening to your employees. In order to have a healthy communication climate in a business, sincere listening must be practiced by all. Most people have developed poor listening habits, but listed below are a few suggestions to help enhance workplace listening: become actively involved in the listening process, dont interrupt, ask clarifying questions, try to control internal and external distractions, keep an open mind, be consc
