Patient, Involved Listening

Phillip Richter
Salt Lake Community College
COMM 1010
Oct. 6th, 2014

The way we communicate on a daily basis is something most people take for granted.
Many of us do not take the time to analyze the manner in which we communicate. To some
extent we are inconsiderate of how others decode our communication; whether it is our body
language or our spoken words. We assume that since both parties are fluent in the language
we are conversing in, that there are no other factors left to consider. Through the duration of
this class I have identified more than a few aspects of my own communication that can
improve. I feel that I would be a more effective communicator if I could improve the way that I
encourage my coworkers to present ideas. Often I dont give them enough of a chance to prove
that they have something worth listening to.
Description of the problem
What I consider to be my strongest traits also contribute to the negative aspects of my
communication. I am a very independent, goal-driven individual. In a workplace situation, I
pride myself on being able to complete a task promptly, efficiently and of my own accord. I
have been recognized for possessing good critical thinking and problem solving skills and I enjoy
being able to complete tasks on my own. While these traits are useful, it causes me to
disregard the opinions of others. While I will take the time to hear other peoples input, I often
am doing so just to appear considerate. Unless a coworker is sharp, resourceful, and on top of
things, my first notion of them is, man, this guy has no sense or why am I surrounded by
idiots? I am sure that my body language or nonverbal responses alone have discouraged
people from offering future input altogether (Adler, Elmhorst & Lucas pg. 91) It truly isnt fair
of me to have such unreasonable expectations. Not everyone is able to convey their intended
message on their first try. I know that I cant. I wonder what information or relationships I
have missed out on due to closed mindedness. It also makes me think of how susceptible I am
to pushing people away if I am so quick to discredit their opinions.
Resources and Constraints
Frankly, I think my issue is more of a personal problem than a communication problem.
I am basically choosing to not give merit to what others tell me. Like most people, I form an
opinion about someone within the first minute that I speak to them. If it is someone I must
work with on a long term basis, their first impression strongly influences how I will treat them.
The fact that I easily develop biased opinions is very constricting. The methodic, standardized
format of communication that the textbook promotes is a very valuable resource. Rather than
relying on gut instinct to handle a communicative encounter, I am provided with a systematic
approach to gaining the most from the experience.

Recommendations
Now that I have come to terms with my shortcomings, I would like to propose a
plausible solution to remedy them. I have a general lack of confidence in other people. Very
seldom do I find myself truly impressed by coworkers or the people around me. The main
reason is obvious. I dont typically give people a chance to gain my confidence. I have a bad
habit of shutting them down and brushing their ideas aside. What do I have to lose by fully
hearing someone out? Their explanation may take up some extra time, but their idea could
potentially save much more time or have the ability to enhance productivity. I learned that
some of the biggest CEOs in the country have openly admitted to furthering their business by
having the patience to hear and value the ideas of employees that rank far below them (Adler,
Elmhorst & Lucas, pg. 16). The biggest thing I can do is stop what I am doing and devote all of
my focus to the person who I am talking with. Not only should I be listening intently, but I
should also look like I am listening intently. My body language should exude interest in the
situation at hand. Every opportunity to converse with anyone is a chance to further your own
knowledge. I remember how it made me feel during my career research interview when my
interviewee immediately treated me as if he was disinterested. Not only was it irritating, but it
was very confidence shaking. I didnt feel as though I was able to conduct the interview as I had
originally planned after being shown that much disregard.
If I became better at encouraging others rather than sending negative signals I would be
more successful at promoting good ideas. Where I stand now, I do not allow those around me
clear enough support to foster good ideas. In many cases, I expect people to automatically
know what I am talking about (USA Today). Up to this point, I offer very little patience when
presented with an idea that isnt immediately satisfying. I should be more proactive and
enthusiastic to learn more about what the presenter is thinking. If I am unclear about what has
been said, I would do better to ask very direct questions. In return, I could expect more clear
feedback. Even if it requires me to be overly obvious, at least I will have a slimmer chance of
receiving vague responses.
Summary
These principals of patient, involved listening would prove to be beneficial to any
person, business or corporation. With a simple attitude adjustment, it is something that can be
easily attained. While this proposal was focused on how I can grow as an individual, I would
encourage everyone to evaluate how they encourage those around them. If a team feels
encouraged, they will be more easily inspired. When a team is inspired, they will find it easier
to be innovative.

Work Cited
Adler, R & J. Elmhorst.(2010). Communicating at Work: SLCC Custom Edition. New
York: McGraw Hill.

Bruzesse, Anita. (Jan. 5, 2014) On the Job: How to encourage innovation in your
company USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/bruzzese/2014/01/05/on-thejob-encourage-innovation/4285947/