The lost art of listening
Nothing hurts more than the sense that people close to us aren't really listening to what we have to say. Someone talks and someone else listens - it sounds so simple that we take it for granted. But why do we often feel cut off when speaking to the people closest to us - family members, friends, or colleagues? What is it that keeps so many of us from really listening? Michael P. Nichols answers these questions and more in this thoughtful, witty, and surprisingly helpful look at the reasons people don't hear one another. His book, a guide to the secrets of listening and being listened to, is filled with vivid examples that clearly demonstrate easy-to-learn techniques for becoming a better listener. He also illustrates how empathic listening enables us to break through misunderstandings and conflict and to transform our personal and professional relationships. Readers learn how to deal with "aggressive disregard", why some people respond so violently to criticism, ways to make sure both sides get heard in heated discussions, how to avoid undermining your own messages, and why people tune out when you vent emotion. Without trivializing or ignoring the relationship dynamics responsible for so much misunderstanding in our lives, this immensely informative guide to better listening offers a profoundly hopeful message - we can learn to understand each other and improve our relationships.