Statistics show that people remember only half of what they hear, even moments after they’ve heard it. Surprising? The fact is that although most of us like to think we’re good listeners, almost everyone needs to improve their listening skills. Learning to Listen offers a fresh approach to this common problem. The 30-item inventory focuses on both the visible and invisible aspects of listening behavior.

What separates this listening assessment from the rest? While other learning tools identify listening style, Learning to Listen measures listening skills. Focusing on concrete behaviors, not preferences, allows participants to immediately take action on their listening strengths and weaknesses.

 
Learning Outcomes

• Determine listening effectiveness in 3 dimensions
• Explore how both visible and invisible aspects of listening affect interaction
• Learn what it takes — physically and mentally — to listen carefully
• Create an action plan that puts new skills into immediate action

 
Theory

HRDQ developed this learning instrument in response to specific requests from our customers for training resources on listening. While some customers told us that they expected to teach listening as a stand-alone topic, most said they intended to present listening as a component of a broader skill set. We specifically designed Learning to Listen to be flexible enough to serve both applications.

In creating this instrument, we made the conscious decision to focus on listening skills rather than listening styles. We did this for many reasons. First, a skills approach is more practical. Participants are more likely to put new skills to use right away. Secondly, skills are more concrete than styles. Participants will find them easier to relate to. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, skills are more changeable than styles, so participants will have a better chance of acting on the self-knowledge they get from completing this instrument.
 
 
How it Works

Learning to Listen is available in both e-Assessment and paper-based formats.  Both versions can be self-administered and self-scored.  Individuals are asked to respond to 30 statements.  Results reveal scores in Overall Listening Effectiveness and in 3 listening skill dimensions: Staying Focused, Capturing the Message, and Helping the Speaker. Response time typically takes 10-15 minutes. Scoring of the paper version takes approximately 5-10 minutes, and scoring of the e-Assessment version is automatic. 

Both the paper-based and e-Assessment versions include tips on improving skill in each of the listening dimensions as well as action planning questions.  The e-Assessment version provides a personalized, full-color report (view sample).

 
Uses for Learning to Listen

Learning to Listen can be used as the centerpiece of a stand-alone workshop on listening skills, or it can be incorporated into a more comprehensive training program. It is also useful as an individual development tool. Other effective uses include:

• As a lead-in or focal point in any communication workshop or seminar
• As a foundation tool in leadership, customer service, and negotiating training
• A career development or personal enrichment tool
• As an integral part of sales training

 
What to Order

e-Assessment Version:
The e-Assessment version of Learning to Listen is available through HRDQ Online, which uses a points-based banking system.  Banked points may be used for any HRDQ e-Assessment, and they never expire.  The more points you purchase, the more you save! Call our Product Consultant Team at 800-633-4533 to set up an online account and purchase points.

In addition to purchasing points for the e-Assessment participant report, it is necessary to purchase one Facilitator Guide per trainer. 

e-Assessment participant report contents:

• 30-item assessment
• Personalized, full-color report
• The Importance of Listening
• Color charts depicting skill level in 3 listening dimensions and overall score
• Interpretive information
• The Listening Model
• Dimensions of Listening
• Tips for improving skills
• Action planning worksheet

Paper-based Version:
Order one Participant Guide per person.  In addition, you will need to purchase one Facilitator Guide for each trainer.

Paper-based Participant Guide contents:

• 30-item assessment with pressure-sensitive scoring
• The Importance of Listening
• Charts depicting skill level in 3 listening dimensions and overall score
• Interpretive information
• The Listening Model
• Dimensions of Listening
• Tips for improving skills
• Action planning worksheet

Facilitator Guide contents:

• Administrative guidelines
• Background information on the importance of listening skills, a definition of listening, and barriers
• The Listening Model
• Dimensions of Listening
• Technical information including reliability, validity and normative data
• HRDQ Experiential Learning Model™
• Workshop design
• 4 supplemental activities
• Alternative training design for customer service
• Sample copy of Participant Guide
• Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation
• Reproducible masters including a certificate of achievement, training evaluation, participant handouts, and overhead transparency masters

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