We have moved forward in understanding our own listening habits. This should help us clear the way to take on board some of the most effective listening practices. When we factor in our introvert tendencies for introspection and contemplation, we can fine-tune a selection of many ways to practice our listening throughout a day. This sustained practice will power up our listening according to the style with which we are comfortable. Start by choosing just one action in those that follow, and keep adding a tool every so often.
Kicking off these power-up techniques is a simple acknowledgment to act and be comfortable with who we are. A recurring theme in communication circles is that speaking is not all it is cracked up to be. Dr. Arthur K. Robertson, author of Listen for Success: A Guide to Effective Listening, has some wisdom for someone more introverted, who might on occasion be criticized for not...