Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/592194
2. Focus on what's different instead of what's familiar. One trap we commonly fall into as listeners is we hear something familiar and pounce on it. But by doing so, we risk taking the conversation in a different di- rection than what the speaker intended. We may also sound like we are engag- ing in competitive conversation, trying to match the speaker point-for-point or "one-up" the speaker's statements. A "me too!" response can wait. While you wait to comment on what's familiar, lis- ten closely for what's different. By forcing yourself to listen for what's different, you'll tune in to things you would normally miss. Our selective hearing picks up what is familiar or ex- pected. Being fully engaged in active listening gives us more information— we actively tune in for what's unique, different, unfamiliar, changed, or un- usual to us. When we get the complete picture this way, we will be less likely to jump to conclusions or rudely shift the focus onto our own experiences. 3. Encourage the speaker. Without intending to, we sometimes discourage people who are speaking. We aren't making eye contact. We con- tinue to multitask while someone is talk- ing. We put on fake listening behaviors that show up as misplaced nods and de- layed reactions. We appear to be rushed or bored. If we are guilty of any of these behaviors, people who are speaking to us will feel discouraged and perhaps even marginalized. By deliberating planning to encour- age the speaker, we will exhibit different behaviors. We will ask questions that in- vite more detail and dialogue. We will notice when the speaker's tone conveys emotion, rather than hearing the words alone. We will show empathy as our body language and facial expressions mirror the speaker's. We won't be dis- tracted, we won't be multitasking, we won't be looking at our watches, and we won't be letting our minds wander. For any speaker to be listened to like that is validating, encouraging . . . and rare. All of these behaviors are relatively simple to adopt. Con- sistently demonstrating active listening behaviors begins with intent to truly listen and understand what's being said. That intent stems from caring about the people you work with and the outcomes you will produce. WWJ Alexandra Walsh is the vice president of Association Vision, a Washington, D.C.–area communications company. WWJ November 2015 55 Twitter @WaterWellJournl DACUM Codes To help meet your professional needs, this article covers skills and competencies found in DACUM charts for drillers and pump installers. DO refers to the drilling chart and PI refers to the pumps chart. The letter and number immediately following is the skill on the chart covered by the article. This article covers: DOA-1, 2, 3; DOC-6, 9; DOK-2, 5; DOL-1, 9, 10; PIA-1, 2, 5, 6; PID-6, 7; PIG-12 More information on DACUM and the charts are available at www.NGWA.org. R C N CTERIA! 096 2 . ORE, ALER! USH + WELL Jr. Blvd. • Lubbock, TX 79404 747.2096 • coteychemical.com N BA FOR CHOICE WEAPONS R W 806 7 U A M 7 4410 MLK 806.7