Active listening is a technique to develop the best possible sense of the SPEAKER’s frame of reference while avoiding the temptation to respond from the LISTENER’s frame of reference. The goal is to Learn something you can use later, to ensure you truly hear and respond to the ‘real’ message, and to evoke candor from the speaker.
First, Re-write the Board Meeting Formula
Active Listener or Active Talker?
When non-executive board members become "Active Talkers," they forget that management also has knowledge and experience, and may have already explored the proposed directives. This scenario can create friction between management and the board, and impede teamwork and open discussion.
Active listening is a technique for probing and asking questions to ensure that all of the available information is on the table and a board member has a complete understanding of the situation before offering their contribution.