Listening is one skill I could use improvement in. According to one study, American listeners pay more attention to individuals’ feelings and concerns during interaction as a reflection of our cultures importance on “the individual”; while in Israel, listeners focus more on details and information in order to limit misunderstandings (Brosius, Kiewitz, Weaver, & Weimann, 1997). I believe I fall into the American category. My “game play” involves recognizing human emotions and true intentions. I think that is important but it should be done in more of a balance with retaining actual information. I also focus too much on how I am being perceived which diverts my attention away from the details. Simple things like a person’s name do not stick in my memory because I categorize it as unimportant. However, later on it can be confusing or insulting when I cannot recall a name. Another problem I have is with involuntary attention. Something like strange or sudden stimuli can easily distract me from what I should be listening to. I believe some of my shortcomings are important skills to have. Understanding peoples’ emotions and being alert to the world around me can be very helpful. However, the balance I spoke of before can sometimes be lacking.
Reference
Brosius, H. B., Kiewitz, C., Weaver J. B., Weimann G., (1997). Cultural differences in listening style preferences: A comparison of young adults in Germany, Israel, and the United States. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 9(3), 233-247. Retrieved April 3, 2009, from Research Library database.
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