"The greatest barrier to effective communication is the tendency to evaluate what another person is saying and therefore to misunderstand or not really "hear."

This quote really stood out to me when I read Barriers and Gateways to Communication.  I am a VERY analytical person so I am constantly evaluating.  I have always struggled with listening as I tend to analyze the conversation, determining points where I can relate, mostly in an effort to understand better and respond in a way that better connects me to the speaker.  I didn't realize that others struggled with "evaluating" as well.

Similar to other Stagen topics, I have been experiencing a higher level of consciousness when it comes to listening.  I still find myself evaluating, wanting to interrupt to share a similar story, or looking at something else while the person is talking to me, BUT... I am noticing these while they are happening and correcting myself, which is HUGE!  So, I have been improving my active listening over the last several weeks and will continue...

Thank you,
Steve

steve.riley@acisinc.com<mailto:steve.riley@acisinc.com>
Cell: 972-333-1333

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