This short book, originally penned in 1957, addresses an important topic that’s become an expected leadership competency today. Active listening is a core expectation for managers in almost every field. Although it sounds easy to do, the practice actually requires a great deal of discipline and mental acuity. Fortunately, by encouraging the self-worth of the speaker, it unleashes a world of creative energy that can multiply any team’s accomplishments. As the authors contend, it simply produces better business results.
Psychotherapists like the authors pioneered active listening, but this book deliberately makes the case that this practice should be applied to the business world. Its case has succeeded wonderfully over the last 70 years. It does contain some antiquated material, particularly around gender roles. The reader should not let this small lapse distract them because the central message is so powerful.
This book is the classical statement on the matter for the general public. Recent books have expanded this foundation into more contemporary applications. Still, exploring the seminal work, as short as it is, can add value to any reader. In today’s team-oriented world necessitating big, diverse projects, active listening represents an invaluable skill for any leader and distinguishes those who will have the most impact.
Active Listening
By Carl R. Rogers & Richard E. Farson
Copyright (c) 1957, 2021
Mockingbird Press
ISBN13 9781953450241
Page Count: 32
Genre: Psychology, Management
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