Listening Effectively

Most of us are acquainted with the old riddle that goes: If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is in the area to hear it, does it make a noise> From a communication point of view, the answer must be a definite "No." Even though there are sound waves, there is no sound because no one perceives it. For communication to take place, there must be both a sender (speaker) and a receiver (listener). Each of us plays the role of speaker and listener many times each day. Thus it is important to learn to play both roles.
Having worked for Johnson and Johnson for 36 years, I learned that the value of executives who possess good listening skills is recognized as highly important. Executive counselors at J & J for example, advise that sympathetic listening to subordinates in day-to-day informal contacts within and outside the the work place is the most effective method by which executives can tap ideas. They feel that there in no system that will do the job in an easier manner...and nothing else that can equal an executive's willingness to listen.
I believe very strongly also that Ministers and Shepherds in the local church can better feel the pulse of the congregation by being good listeners.
What is listening? Listening is the ability to understand and respond effectively to oral communication. Listening requires more than hearing; it requires comprehension of the communication received. We hear with our ears, but we listen with our mind.
There are barriers to effective listening; Some barriers to effective listening are: Listening to only those things that are relevent to our own goals and objectives or that serve to satisfy our own needs. Just stop and think about your own listening habits. Also filtering the thoughts and ideas of the sender according to our own beliefs, expectations and relationship to the speaker is also a barrier. Just think about communications between wife to husband or, husband to wife. Most time we only hear what we want to hear and ignore the rest.

Coming up next: Guides to effective listening.
If these type post mean anything to any one please let me know. They served beneficial for me in years past and still even now in the church.