The Art of Active Listening: How to Listen Effectively in 10 Simple Steps to Improve Relationships and Increase Productivity (Mastering Communication Skills for Lasting Relationships) Paperback – 6 Oct. 2021

I have found this book to be a clear and easy to understand overview of the positive and negative attributes of a listener, and how to develop good habits of listening while recognising and eliminating the common bad habits. I recognise some of these bad habits in myself: distraction, changing the subject, forming a reply before someone has finished what they are saying, often avoiding eye contact and fidgeting. I have some good habits, too. I am genuinely interested in what the other person has to say, I focus on them mostly, I try not to form judgements, I listen with empathy. I have already started to observe my listening style and am beginning to make some positive changes.Here are some of the negative habits the book addresses:interruptingrushingavoiding eye contactrabbit-tailing (focusing on only one small aspect of what is being said and going down that 'rabbit hole')dismissing or jokingwaiting (i.e. forming a response while the other person is still speaking and waiting to reply while they are talking)disengaging (mind going elsewhere)getting distractedThere are many good tips for improving listening skills, such as awareness of body language, listening for tone of voice, listening with empathy, visualising what the person is saying to improve focus, and many more.The skills in this book are helpful in a wide range of situations - in any situation actually, including in the workplace, at home, with friends, with strangers. It is a book I will read and re-read.The book is not long, can be read in a day or two, but to become a better listener, it takes practice, as the book says.

Gift for my husband, he said it was really good, lets's just hope it works ;)

The author takes an important topic and presents the information in a way that makes it applicable to every aspect of life. Communication is fundamental to a good relationship. As a counselor, many issues I see relate to people's misunderstanding of what it means to listen to another person - and listen so that talking is more productive. Listening is a skill and the activities in the book go well beyond just talking about the importance of listening. Little things make a big difference and this little book will make a big difference in the way you listen.

Enjoyed the Book.... Using it to Increase value in workplace & everyday. Thank you

This book will definitely enhance your listening skills in all aspects of ones life. Your improved listening skills will help you flourish in professional and personal networks.

If we all practice what the author shared in the book, this world will be a much more pleasant place.