As if there’s not enough to pay attention to when planning a meeting, I have one more consideration to suggest: provide for different listening styles.
Why does it matter to plan for different listening styles?
- Meetings are successful when each attendee leaves thinking his time was well spent. That means it’s essential to cater to his individual needs, including how he takes in information.
- Well-run meetings turn into repeat business. When meeting personnel are aware of different listening styles, they can respond to questions and concerns in a way that the attendees will appreciate and feel heard.
- Providing a variety of options will most likely include everyone at one time or another, creating an atmosphere of community.
In my research I’ve discovered four (4) different listening habits for your meeting planning consideration. The four are:
Inner-personal listener. That person listens to learn for herself how the information will increase her knowledge, and what her interest is in the subject matter being presented. Inner-personal listeners require some small sessions, intimate settings, and opportunities to talk with a few colleagues about like interests.
Extra-personal listener. That person listens for others and wants to know how the information can be shared back on the job. Extra-personal listeners require some large group sessions where they can mingle to meet new people and talk about the meeting content. They also attend and enjoy social activities.
Problem-solving listener. That person listens for details, facts and data. She requires good materials, clear directions, smooth processes and everything to run on time. Problem-solving listeners want access to speakers to ask questions and they tend to enjoy discussion groups lead by experts.
Conceptualizing listener. That person listens for ideas and options. She enjoys collaborating with other attendees to brainstorm and would rather talk than sit in a seat and listen. Conceptualizing listeners are experiential, often energetic, and involved. They require participative activities and mental challenges.
How can I use this valuable information?
- Learn enough about the different listening habits to make sure you consider each of the four during planning.
- Know your own listening habits so you can capitalize upon our strengths and work on your weaknesses.
- Create a Listening Styles checksheet to see that a meeting’s activities are balanced among the four habits.
- Practice talking in four different ways, asking four different kinds of questions, and giving four different kinds of answers, until addressing the various listening styles becomes second nature.
Listening is the highest form of respect you can give.
Marian Thier
President, Expanding Thought, Inc. and Listening Impact
Boulder, Colorado, USA
info@xtho.com
