1. Dawn Murphy
Listening Skills
3/28/16
I learned from the test (but already suspected!) that I am an impatient listener. My mind
is racing while I am listening to others speak. I am always thinking about what I can add or know
about the situation they are talking about. I find that as someone is speaking I will think of a
specific thing to add and then forget what it was when it is my turn to add to the conversation.
This will often cause me to interrupt if I feel it is important enough that I do not want to forget to
say it. This is very distracting to me as a listener. I know I am missing important points or
opinions that the speaker is making. I think this indicates that I may not value what someone is
saying. I really strive to "know the speaker" to avoid insulting them. For instance, I attempt to be
very aware of how I receive a conversation from my direct supervisor. She is often trying to
educate me about our department which I feel is very supportive of her. I constantly remind
myself not to interrupt and I jot down points while she speaking to be able to bring it up later.
This is a form of multi-tasking when you should be fully engaged in the speakers words, but it is
one way that I have found to avoid interrupting her.
I also need to realize that a conversation is not a "race". I want to get to the point and this
causes me to appear disinterested when I could truly learn something if I just slowed down and
gave the speaker adequate time to make their point.
An effective HR manager will take the time to listen and follow-up with thoughtful and
solid advice. This shows that they are attempting to understand where the employee is coming
from and how they feel about the situation at hand.