CAR: Lesson - Collaborative Interactions: Speaking and Listening

Collaborative Interactions, Part 1

What does every career have in common? The need for effective and efficient communication. Whether entering the workforce for the first time or creating jobs and career opportunities for others, the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently is a necessary ingredient for success.

Communications: Speaking

If asked to explain what communications means, many of us may respond by saying something relating to talking and (maybe) listening. However, there are various ways to communicate effectively. In this lesson, we will become familiar with the elements of effective communication. Talking is definitely one way in which humans communicate, but how we talk and what words we choose to use determines the level of professionalism we are showing and can even make a difference on whether or not we get or keep a job. There are some environments in which what you say and how you say it is not guided by any corporate standard of acceptability. For example, when at home with family and friends, many of us speak freely without any concern of professionalism. Knowing when and how to use language to present yourself in a professional manner will help you to achieve and maintain your chosen quality of life.

Communications: Listening

What does it mean to listen? Is listening just hearing sounds or is there more to it?

Our ears allow us to sense sound, but when we speak of listening as an employability skill, we must extend beyond just the ability to hear sound. We must also be able to understand what is being said. While listening may seem automatic, remember that the goal is to understand, not to just acknowledge sound. In an effort to maximize that understanding let’s look at two types of listening: passive listening and active listening. There is one other type of listening called Selective listening, but for now, let's just focus on active and passive listening.

Passive listening is listening without reaction to what the speaker is saying. Examples of this type of listening, may include listening to the news or a podcast. You don't have any direct interaction when you are listening passively.

Active listening is a pattern of listening that keeps you engaged with your conversation partner in a positive way. It is the process of listening attentively while someone else speaks, paraphrasing and reflecting back what is said, and withholding judgment and advice. Let's learn a bit more about active listening by watching the following video. Take some notes so you have a good idea of active listening before we move on. Which type of listening do you believe is better when working in a collaborative environment?

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