BLOCKS  TO  LISTENING

 

1.     Comparing – Always trying to assess who is smarter.

Can’t let much in because you are busy seeing if you measure up.

2.     Mindreading – Always distrust what people say.  You are trying to figure out what             what “they are really thinking or feeling”                                                                    * Make assumptions about how people react to you

3.     Rehearsing – Don’t have time to listen when you are

Rehearsing what you are going to say.

4.     Filtering – listen to some things and not others

Pay just enough attention to see if someone is angry or unhappy or if you are in emotional danger.  Once you know the communication does not contain those things, you let your mind wander.

* Avoid hearing certain things.

5.     Judging – If you prejudge someone to be stupid or unqualified,                             you do not pay much attention to what they have to say.

6.     Dreaming – When you are half listening to what someone says that triggers a chain  of associations.

* Happens more when bored or anxious.

7.     Identifying take everything a person says and refer it back to your own experience.

* Have tendency to launch into your own story before they finish theirs.

8. Advising – You are a great problem solver and ready to help and do not have to hear more than a few sentences before you begin searching for the right advice.                                  * You do not hear the feelings or acknowledge the pain.

9.     Sparring – When you argue and debate with other people                              

                                 * the other person never feels heard because you are quick to disagree.

* A lot of your focus is on finding things you disagree with.

10.  Being right – Will go to any length to avoid being wrong.

* Cannot listen to criticism or correction

* Cannot take suggestions to change

11.  Derailing – Suddenly change the subject (derailing the train of conversation)

* Happens when you are bored or uncomfortable with the topic

12.  Placating – You want to be nice, pleasant and supportive                                                                 * Want people to like you so you agree with everything

* May half listen just enough to get the drift of the conversation