Just to check back in with my progress, since last time I have discovered by individual listening style.  After taking a short quiz with questions about listening, I was presented with the highest score in action-oriented.  As an action-oriented listener I prefer brief and to the point messages in conversations.  When in a conversation with an action-oriented listener they may often ask “so what” and try to make a “to-do list” of actions to follow.  These types of listeners also become frusturated with others are unable to clearly communicate their ideas with organization and crispness.  According to McCornack, these listeners want “information about what caused the problem, so a solution could be generated” (161). 

I have also received feedback about my progress in developing my listening skills.  In class one of my classmates had forgot what group he was a part of and because I was active listening in the weeks before I was able to remember that he indeed was an action-oriented listener too!  This small example of feedback played a great role in my efforts to actually listen to others instead of just worrying about my own agenda.  

Engaging in active listening in group situation

In looking at the Interpersonal Communication Inventory and through collection of information from those who interact with me, I have decided to work on the interpersonal communication skill of active listening for the competency development project.   Active listening is the process of transcending our own thoughts, ideas, and beliefs into the words and worlds of those we are interacting with.  By focusing on this skill it would be my goal to build stronger relationships with those around me and in the process improve my communication.  Often times, I am the one who is constantly talking about personal ideas or beliefs but I rarely give others the chance to speak and therefore practice active listening.  On other occasions, when people are talking I find myself spacing our and not paying attention to those who are actually speaking.  While those speaking do not always notice that I am pretending to listen, it is still harmful to my communication. A lack of active listening inhibits my relationship building skills.  Overall, by working on my active listening as part of my competency development project, I will surely build my relationships and solidify interpersonal skills. 

"One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say." ~Bryant H. McGill