8 Keys to a More Respectful Workplace: 08. Listen for Understanding

Too often, when we’re involved in a back-and-forth discussion with a colleague, we tend to focus not on what they are actually saying, but on what our rebuttal will be. When that happens, we’re not truly having a conversation. Listening for understanding is a learned skill. The goal of this course is to illustrate the difference between a discussion and a debate and to show how listening with the intention of truly understanding what the other party is saying is a means of demonstrating respect for the other person and for their point of view.

Learning objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between a discussion and a debate
• Demonstrate the ability to listen to another person fully engaged in trying to understand what they are saying
• Demonstrate the ability to use the proper technique to aim your disagreement at an idea rather than at the other person