Listening has been described as both the most difficult skill for professionals to consistently do well, and as the most important skill a professional can apply. Research suggests 80% of us think we are good listeners while 20% of us in fact are. We can improve our listening skills, and using a listening model enhances learning.
There are many listening models, but none are geared toward legal professionals nor offer an approach which is both comprehensive and concise. That is, most listening models lack some element that lawyers require. For example, Active Listening does not directly incorporate mindfulness, and mindfulness theory tends not to incorporate care, empathy, and/or relational focus. Mark Baumann developed Integrative Listening (IL) to address the needs of legal professionals. It’s 10 elements seek to describe all of the elements necessary for good listening.
At the WA-AFCC Early Riser’s Breakfast on January 12, 2016, Mark will review IL’s elements, invite discussion about them, and also invite participants to share models they use and explore how other models might further enhance our professional skill and be more appropriate in some circumstances. Motivational Interviewing is one example of an existing model which offers excellent guidance in cases of highly resistant and/or drug addicted clients.
Please join us for a fun and thought provoking discussion about listening.