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