Listening Leaders Archived Edition

LISTEN UP
Book Review

Larry Barker and Kitty Watson. New York, N.Y.: St. Martin's Press, 2000. 203 pp.

Reviewed by Rick Bommelje

Listen Up is the most practical and comprehensive book on listening that I have read during the past decade. Kitty Watson and Larry Barker have condensed over 20 years of listening research, consulting and experience into an easy-to-read format that focus on the "how's" of building and maintaining the powerful skill of listening. They use numerous professional and personal examples to illustrate their proven success strategies and concepts.

In one book, the authors have captured the key steps to improving the life-skill of listening. Among the many informative topics highlighted include:
* How Listeners Control Communication
* The 4 Listening Styles and How to Use Them
* Exploring and Overcoming Listening Barriers
* 3 Strategies for Improving Listening Between the Sexes
* How to Jump-start Listening Improvement
* Winning by Listening Around

I especially enjoyed the segment on energy and listening. Internal and external energy sappers can nullify effective listening, even if you have a strong determination to avoid them. The authors offer a common-sense approach to budget your energy by using the "rule of thirds". The first third of the day energy is usually at its highest, but you may be distracted by previous events, such as traffic delays. Schedule important interactions that are easy to deal with. During the middle third of the day, concentration and energy are usually at high levels and it is the optimum tome to deal with critical issues. The last third of the day is usually when your energy is lowest and a prime time to be distracted. Better to spend your listening time on low-priority, noncontroversial topics. Having reserves of energy is a must for listening effectiveness.

Readers are introduced to the PIER Listening Model - a four-level process-Perceiving, Interpreting, Evaluating, and Responding. This is nearly identical to the SIER Model (Sensing, Interpreting, Evaluating and Responding) previously developed in the 1980's. The authors give a framework of each level and specific strategies to strengthen the entire process.

There is also an audio version of Listen Up, which is read by the authors. The 2-tape program reinforces the book and auditory learners will enjoy the pace and tempo of this format. It's like having Larry and Kitty sharing their listening wisdom with you first-hand as you drive to work.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LISTENING LEADER LESSON: This is a must-read for anyone who recognizes the power of listening in their life and recognizes that the most important ways to rise to the top of their potential is to "Listen Up".
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

LISTENING LEADERS: THE TEN GOLDEN RULES
TO LISTEN, LEAD & SUCCEED

By Dr. Lyman K. Steil
& Dr. Richard K. Bommelje

Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press
(ISBN 1-59298-073-2)

A pioneering book that directly connects listening with leadership.Based on more than 50 collective years of work with listening leaders throughout the world, Dr. Steil and Dr. Bommelje have created 10 practical, proven, and priceless rules to enhance everyone's listening and leadership success. Although outstanding leaders are outstanding listeners, most leaders have neglected the development of their listening attitudes, skills and knowledge.

“This is the most significant book ever written on listening and leadership and will profit leaders at all levels in all types of organizations and enterprises.” Dr. Ralph Nichols, Father of the Field of Listening

ORDER YOUR COPY at www.ListeningLeaders.com or www.amazon.com

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