4 Levels of Listening

4 Levels of Listening

In our work as consultants we have identified 4 levels of listening:
1. Downloading (I might say yes at the right time, but don’t really pay attention)
2. Objective (I hear what you say, but I always have a similar story on my mind)
3. Empathic (I listen – I understand you)
4. Generative Creating (open heart, open mind, open will)
Do I need to say what really matters :-).

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		3 Burl Waits Project Manager, United States
	Listening - with an Intent to Act on what Has Been Said Michael Lund is right. A good test for the listener is "are you thinking about responding at the time you should really be listening". Another test is the level of interest in what is being said.

		2 Burl Waits Project Manager, United States
	Listening Burl’s thoughts - four years into intense study of Theory U: 1. Learning and memory are fundamental attributes of human development. 2. Application of past learning can prevent the creative development of new structural applications. 3. A rush to judgment can short circuit the brain activities needed to deal with the emerging future. 4. Fear and ego can also make us blind to our internal creative system. 5. In a group dialogue how we listen will determine how we develop the creative solutions for long term change.

		1 Jaap de Jonge Editor, Netherlands
	4 Levels of Listening I like your 4 listening levels a lot! Thanks for sharing them, Michael. I tried to somewhat improve ... Sign up