Empathic Listening

Stephen R. Covey

The Key to Communication

Communication is said to be the most important skill in life. And effective communication always comes down to one thing - mutual understanding.

Based on the premise "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood" (from Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) this program explains empathic listening and shows how it helps us understand and successfully communicate with others.

One of the biggest obstacles in interpersonal communication is our tendency to respond autobiographically - meaning from our own frame of reference. We advise, probe, interpret, and evaluate others' messages based on our own experiences and motives.

In listening, an autobiographical response prevents us from clearing our minds enough to really hear and feel what is being said. Conversely, when we listen with the intent to understand ("empathically"), we are able to gain insights into another person's thoughts and feelings more accurately. Empathic listening is both an attitude and a skill.

The Empathic Listening program contains 3 separate video components and a corresponding workshop that provide solid instruction on this key communication skill. Participants are given practical tips and specific phrases they can incorporate immediately into their daily conversations to ensure that they are listening with the intent to understand.

Participants learn to: Diagnose before they prescribe, listen empathically, and seek to be understood from the other's perspective.

Videos included in the package are:

Nobody's Listening (11 Minutes): Depicts what happens when a manager fails to listen to the concerns of an employee. A second chance to practice the art of active listening averts a number of problems.

Diagnose Before You Prescribe (8 Minutes): Stephen R. Covey, giving a workshop, provides insights on this key step in the empathic listening process.

I Know Just What You Mean (21 Minutes): Shows the difference between listening with the intent to respond and listening with the intent to understand. Techniques to minimize miscommunication are given.

Tonesetter (10 Minutes): Video of quotes and music to play before the workshop and during breaks.

Key Learning Points

Develops listening skills that improve people's ability to influence and problem-solve

Helps to achieve higher levels of trust throughout the organization

Reduces costs associated with misunderstandings

Program Contents:

Empathic Listening (50 Minutes)

Facilitator’s Guide PDF

PowerPoint Presentation

Participant Guidebook PDF

Uses

Leadership and Management
Communication

Enterprise Media offers the following discounted pricing on this program (discounts applied at checkout):

Federal Government (10% off)
State and Local Government (10% off)
Non Profit (10% off)
University and Graduate School (10% off)
K-12 (10% off)
Consultants (10% off)

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