Active listening is the process of actively decoding and interpreting verbal messages. It requires that listeners give their full attention and actively process information. Listening is a critical communication skill, and most of us think we are better at active listening than we actually are. This activity is important because managers can learn to be better listeners, and thus, increase their managerial effectiveness.

The goal of this activity is to test your knowledge of the five recommendations for improving your listening skills.

The short scenarios below represent people violating the five recommendations for improving your listening skills. First, read the scenarios. Then, select the recommendation that each scenario best depicts being violated.