The Lost Art of Listening

Empathic Listening Scale

Give yourself a score of 1 (never) to 5 (always) for each of these.

What is your total score? Which category:

Sensing

  • I am sensitive to what others are not saying.

  • I am aware of what others imply but do not say.

  • I understand how others feel.

  • I listen for more than just the spoken words.

Processing

  • I assure others that I will remember what they say.

  • I summarize points of agreement and disagreement when appropriate.

  • I keep track of points others make.

  • I connect what others are saying to my own work/world.

Responding

  • I assure others that I am listening by using verbal acknowledgments.

  • I assure others that I am receptive to their ideas.

  • I ask questions that show my understanding of others’ positions.

  • I show others that I am listening by my body language (e.g., head nods).




Example 1: Robert & Nathan

Example 2: Robert & Judy