Chapter 4 Listening: A Silent Hero

Summary of Chapter 4 Listening: A Silent Hero

According to the definition of listening, a silent hero, in the head of this chapter, it is absolutely true since effective listening can make a big difference in gaining new business and profits. In most business situations, we use listening more than virtually any other communication skill. Not only do we listen to learn and remember information, but we also listen to make decisions and to understand other needs. On the other hand, poor listening can create numerous problems in business, including message misinterpretation as well as information mistakes.

We should know the difference between hearing and listening as we often confuse both the terms and the process. Furthermore, we should study the business tools in listening, which are active and passive listening, in order to select the appropriate ones to use in each situation. Active listening can be classed into four types: listening to learn, critical listening, sensitive listening, and dialogue listening. Passive listening is the absorption of sounds without the personal involvement needed for active attention, interpretation or feedback, and sometimes it can be beneficial.

Finally, not listening and poor listening are not good habits because they can cost a business precious time and effort and can serious liabilities. The most common listening liabilities in business are external, internal, and message noise, channel deficiencies, and cultural barriers.

Now, as mentioned above, we should not neglect this significant tool, listening, anymore if we want to achieve more businesses and benefits in the world of business.