Listening Skills
Meets/Exceeds Expectations
Demonstrates active and focused listening skills
Allows others to complete their thoughts before replying
Makes sure others “feel heard” and feel free to express their opinions
Has mastered the skill of “mirroring back” what she hears others saying
Always attempts to understand others’ points of view
Maintains eye contact and nods her head to demonstrate attention and agreement
Listens objectively and with an open mind
Waits one full second after someone finishes speaking before rebutting
Genuinely empathizes with others who have differing points of view
Actively elicits feedback even from those with opposing views
Always demonstrates a sincere interest in others’ points of view
Asks appropriate questions when unsure of instructions or directives
Accurately interprets what was said the first time
Allows others to share their thoughts and experiences without critique
Only needs to be told once
Follows directions and instructions carefully
Needs Improvement
Asks questions that show that he is not actively listening
Gets distracted by her own ideas and loses track of a conversation
Only hears what he wants to hear
Interrupts and speaks over peers
Always tries to finish others’ thoughts for them
Has developed a reputation for “having to have the last word”
Stops listening if he feels attacked or challenged
Constantly interrupts others amid thought
Loses the ability to objectively hear what is being said when criticized
Readily dismisses others’ ideas when she wants to change topics
Listening Goals
Become a more effective listener
Demonstrate active listening skills as a sign of respect for others
Understand how verbal interruptions damage interpersonal communication
Listen for what’s being implied as well as what’s actually being said
Improve the quality of your work relationships by listening more attentively
Regularly maintain eye contact with speakers
Count to two after others finish speaking before initiating a response
Practice mirroring back what you hear others say
Listen objectively even during heated negotiations
Immediately ask questions when you don’t understand something
Don’t talk out of turn
Ensure that others don’t have to repeat themselves