Are You a Good Listener Quiz

Are you a good listener? Lets find out. On a scale of 25-100 (100 highest), how do you rate yourself as a listener? _____ Let’s find out how accurate your perception is. Rate yourself in the following situations and total your score. 4 Usually, 3 Frequently, 2 Sometimes, 1 Seldom ____ I try to listen carefully even when I’m not interested in the topic. ____ I’m open to viewpoints that are different from my own. ____ I make eye contact with the speaker when I’m listening. ____ I try to avoid being defensive when a speaker is venting negative emotions. ____ I try to recognize the emotion under the speaker’s words. ____ I anticipate how the other person will react when I speak. ____ I take notes when it’s necessary to remember what I’ve heard. ____ I listen without judgment or criticism. ____ I stay focused even when I hear things I don’t agree with or don’t want to hear. ____ I don’t allow distractions when I’m intent on listening. ____ I don’t avoid difficult situations. ____ I can ignore a speaker’s mannerisms and appearance. ____ I avoid leaping to conclusions when listening. ____ I learn something, however small, from every person I meet. ____ I try not to form my next response while listening. ____ I listen for main ideas, not just details. ____ I know my own hot buttons. ____ I think about what I’m trying to communicate when I speak. ____ I try to communicate at the best possible time for success. ____ I don’t assume a certain level of understanding in my listeners when speaking. ____ I usually get my message across when I communicate. ____ I consider which form of communication is best: email, phone, in-person, etc. ____ I tend to listen for more than just what I want to hear. ____ I can resist daydreaming when I’m not interested in a speaker. ____ I can easily paraphrase in my own words what I’ve just heard. ____ Total Scoring 75-100 You’re an excellent listener and communicator. Keep it up.50-74 You’re trying to be a good listener, but it’s time to brush up.25-49 Listening isn’t one of your strong points. Start paying attention. Learn how to be a better listener: Active Listening. Joe Grimms Listen and Lead project is a fabulous collection of listening tools. If your listening could be improved, get help from Joe. Hes a professional listener.