When somone you lead is talking to you, which of the following best describes your typical way of listening to them?
Level 1: I am thinking about and doing other things while they talk to me -- I am multi-tasking.
Level 2: I am thinking about other things most of the time, but appear to be listening.
Level 3: I am listening politely and waiting until I can get my point across to them
Level 4: I am listening carefully, and usually have strong opinions and ideas about what the other person is saying.
Level 5: I go in and out of really hearing them versus drifting into my own ideas or thoughts.
Level 6: I am listening deeply the majority of the time, actively keeping my own mind quiet so I can really hear what they are saying and take it in fully.
Do you adapt your listening approach to different people? What does this tell you about you, them, and what you might want to change?