Listening Pays - Rick Bommelje

Book Summary

"Listening Pays: Achieve Significance through the Power of Listening" is a book written by Rick Bommelje, a professor of communication studies and leadership at Rollins College. In this book, Bommelje argues that listening is a crucial skill for personal and professional success, and provides a framework for developing better listening habits.
Bommelje begins by exploring the various benefits of listening, including improved relationships, better decision-making, and increased creativity. He then goes on to provide practical advice for becoming a better listener, such as staying present, asking open-ended questions, and avoiding distractions.
Throughout the book, Bommelje uses real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the importance of listening in various contexts, from business meetings to personal relationships. He also explores the various obstacles to effective listening, such as biases, emotions, and technology, and provides strategies for overcoming these barriers.
Ultimately, "Listening Pays" is a guide for anyone looking to develop better listening skills and achieve greater significance in their personal and professional lives. By emphasizing the power of listening, Bommelje shows how it can lead to better relationships, increased productivity, and greater fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

Listening is a crucial skill: Bommelje argues that listening is a fundamental skill for personal and professional success, and that it is often overlooked or undervalued.
The benefits of listening: Effective listening can improve relationships, increase productivity, and lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.
The different types of listening: Bommelje distinguishes between different types of listening, such as empathic listening, critical listening, and appreciative listening, and discusses how they can be used in different contexts.
Overcoming obstacles to listening: Bommelje identifies various obstacles to effective listening, such as distractions, biases, and emotions, and provides strategies for overcoming them.
Active listening techniques: Bommelje suggests various techniques for becoming a better listener, such as asking open-ended questions, paraphrasing, and reflecting on what was said.
The role of listening in leadership: Good leaders are often good listeners, and Bommelje discusses how effective listening can help build trust, inspire others, and lead to better outcomes.
The importance of practice: Like any skill, listening requires practice and effort to develop. Bommelje provides exercises and activities for improving listening skills.
The value of listening in personal relationships: Effective listening is not just important in professional contexts, but can also improve personal relationships and lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.