1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: Just Listen offers an understanding of why people struggle to communicate, and empowers readers to use their emotional intelligence to build more meaningful relationships.
“When you listen with the intent to understand, you give away your power. When you listen with the intent to be understood, you increase your power.” – Mark Goulston
Quick Info
Category: Communication Skills
Publish Date: 2015-03-04
# Pages: 256
ISBN: 0814436471
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Table of Contents
Overview
Just Listen, by Mark Goulston, is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.
This book helps readers understand the power of listening and how it can be used to make better connections with others.
Goulston explains how to become a better listener by understanding body language, listening with empathy and curiosity, and being aware of the power of silence.
He also provides strategies for being a better conversationalist, such as being mindful of the other person’s feelings, asking open-ended questions, and understanding the importance of non-verbal communication.
Through these strategies, readers learn how to create a more meaningful dialogue with their family, friends, colleagues, and clients.
4 Key Lessons from Just Listen by Mark Goulston
1. Don’t Reject, Reflect
Just Listen encourages readers to not immediately reject the words and feelings of others, but to take the time to reflect on them.
This will help readers understand and empathize with the other person’s perspective and build a better relationship.
Reflection allows readers to better understand the other person’s emotions and needs and enter into a meaningful dialogue.
2. Create an Atmosphere of Openness and Safety
Just Listen emphasizes the importance of creating an atmosphere of openness and safety in conversations.
It encourages readers to create a sense of trust and security in order to open up the conversation and bring out true emotions, allowing for meaningful dialogue.
3. Be Present and Listen Fully
Just Listen encourages readers to be present and to really listen in conversations.
This means being aware of body language and facial expressions and being mindful of any distractions.
Listening fully allows readers to pick up on cues that could potentially be missed if they are not paying attention, and it will help them better understand the other person’s needs and feelings.
4. Stay Calm and Connected
Just Listen encourages readers to stay calm and connected in conversations.
This will help them to better understand the other person’s perspective, and it will also help them to communicate more effectively.
Staying calm and connected will help readers to stay focused on the conversation and be better equipped to resolve conflict.
Who Should Read It
Just Listen by Mark Goulston is an excellent book for anyone wanting to become a better listener, including managers, supervisors, teachers, students, parents, and counselors.
Where to Get It
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About Mark Goulston
Mark Goulston is a psychiatrist, executive coach, consultant, and public speaker.
He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
He is the author of six books, including the bestselling Just Listen, which has been translated into over 25 languages.
He has written for numerous publications, including the Harvard Business Review and The New York Times, and has been featured on several television and radio shows.
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Other Communication Skills Books you may Like:
- Best Books on Communication Skills
- Leadership Presence by Belle Linda Halpern
- Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
- Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg
- On Becoming Fearless by Ariana Huffington
Over to You
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Thanks a lot,
Simon
Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.