Who’s Listening Anyway? A Guide to Effective Listening

By John Lovitt, Ed.D.

Reviewed By James B. Fannin

(ISBN 978–1880292303)

How many really good listenersdo you know? If you’re honest,you may know one or two. Would itsurprise you that almost everyonethinks they are a good listener? I did.But then again, I always thought I didmy best listening while talking!

You don’t have to listen like I doto recognize that John Lovitt is onto something in this book. This quickread displays a surprising passion for the importance of theeffective listener as a transforming force on and off the job.Drawing on his experience as a Corporate Coach, Consultantand Counselor, John writes in a direct, simple manner withintimate insight and clarity.

He lists 10 verbal roadblocks that disrupt the listeningprocess. His explanation of them is like turning on the lightswitch. In the light, you realize the roadblock is you! It’s nowclear why effective communication is so difficult. Even moreunfortunately, sometimes neither person realizes a corruptmessage was sent.

Fortunately, John explains the 4 components of effectivelistening. And he provides the Lovitt Listening Scale and Inventoryto develop your skills. He provides the specific techniquesto implement skills in an insightful, sometimes amusing,way. For instance, if the messenger begins to verballyattack the listener, the use of Non–defensive Listening is essential.It can save time and emotions. John captures its usefulnessby saying, “Non–defensive listening is a valuable repellantin combating mosquito–like messengers.”

John’s direct yet amusing style belies the seriousness of thebook. Consider first that it takes a skilled effective listener 10minutes to acquire a message. It takes the ineffective listenerup to 30 minutes to get the same message. The time savingsalone make the book a worthwhile read.