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To learn more about active listening, see the online
study guide on active listening prepared by the Conflict
Resolution Network.
| Active listening text: |
When engaged in a conflict, we have a tendency to
"push, push, push!" Of course, this is because "you
just don't understand me!" One of the most important challenges
we face in negotiating solutions to conflicts is the need to resist
the urge to push and, instead, make a special effort to listen.
If we dedicate ourselves to active listening, we significantly improve
the likelihood that our ideas and feelings, in turn, will be understood
by the other person. And if we truly come to understand the other's
point of view in the conflict, we may actually clarify why the situation
has become so combustible to this point.
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"Taking a listening stance" begins by preparing oneself
to listen:
- Take a deep, cleansing breath and relax
- Remove distractions, as much as possible
- Sit (or face) the other person directly, with an open body posture
- Focus on listening as your first priority in the conversation
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Taking a few moments to prepare reduces the strength of the emotional
stranglehold that has likely accompanied your anxiety about the conversation.
You may find that you need support resources for stress
management. If we are overwhelmed by stress, it is difficult to listen
effectively. Thus seeking support for stress management could be a helpful
element of this process. Approaches to anger management may be found at
http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/eao/special_topics/page4.htm
When listening to the other person's point of view, the following responses
are often helpful:
| What to Do |
How to Say It |
| Encourage the other person to share his
or her issues as fully as possible. |
"I want to understand what has upset you."
"I want to know what you are really hoping for."
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| Clarify the real issues, rather than making
assumptions. Ask questions that allow you to gain this information,
and which let the other person know you are trying to understand. |
"Can you say more about that?"
"Is that the way it usually happens?"
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| Restate what you have heard, so you are
both able to see what has been understood so far - it may be that
the other person will then realize that additional information is
needed. |
"It sounds like you weren't expecting that to happen." |
| Reflect feelings - be as clear as possible. |
"I can imagine how upsetting that must have been." |
| Validate the concerns of the other person,
even if a solution is elusive at this time. Expressing appreciation
can be a very powerful message if it is conveyed with integrity and
respect. |
"I really appreciate that we are talking about this issue."
"I am glad we are trying to figure this out."
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By taking a listening stance into the interaction, you set the scene
for your opportunity to share your concerns about the conflict. Again,
we recognize that this can be very challenging! But, if you persevere,
the effort is often worth it.
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