Hello I’m a – Fair – Average – Above Average – Superior Listener

Recently I had the opportunity to co-facilitate a virtual soft skills training event for some financial professionals. It was a great event that addressed topics that were important to the participants. Like many who have endured the last two years, these people had a thirst for training topics aimed at maximining communication and collaboration. Among these topics was ‘Active Listening.’

We listen for multiple reasons: to obtain information, to foster understanding, to facilitate learning, and at times simply for enjoyment. Listening is the most important skill needed to help maximize communication and collaboration. It influences the quality and effectiveness of our work relationships. Why does it seem like we don’t pay that much attention to it as a learned skill?

In our current hiring environment, really tuning in as an active listener could be the difference between hiring great new talent or missing out. It may also be the skill that helps retain star talent!

Fortunately listening skills can be improved. One of the first steps in doing so is developing self-awareness of potential barriers to effective listening and taking steps to remove them.

In my own consulting practice and in recent training for a faith based organization, I have had to work hard at talking less, talking slower, and listening more. I see some heads nodding… : -)

What Kind of Listener Are You? (Let’s Find Out)

Below is an informal listening assessment. Informal means non-scientific but useful. It has a total of 30 questions and should only take a few minutes to complete. It will provide a basic understanding of listening effectiveness and hopefully awareness of potential barriers.

Choose one answer: “1-Most of the Time” “2-Frequently” “3-Occasionally” or “4-Almost Never”

If your answer to question one is “Most of the Time“- write a “1” underneath Most of the Time.
If your answer to question one is “Frequently” – write a “2” underneath Frequently.
If your answer to question one is “Occasionally” – write a “3” underneath Occasionally.
If your answer to question one is “Almost Never” – write a “4” underneath Almost Never.

Repeat the process answering all 30 questions….placing only one answer per question.

Self-Assessment – How to Score:

Add up the numbers in each of the four scoring columns and write the scores of each column in the lines under each time frame below.

Most Times Frequently Occasionally Almost Never Total Grand Totals

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