How well we communicate helps define our ability to connect with others, achieve our goals and live lives of fulfillment. The key and most unappreciated and unsung element of communicating well is listening. Effective listening is the backbone of our ability to communicate and, ultimately, gain and maintain a lasting sense of self. When it comes to connecting with others, poor listening is little more than weak brushes with others. Active listening transforms those brushes into encounters of meaning, thus giving our individual growth more depth and definition.

Sadly, a growing trend in much of society today is that listening well is not given the level of importance it needs and deserves. Consequently, in the arena of communication, there is far more talking at than talking with. This growing reality has an increasing negative impact on human interaction, relationships, and individual betterment.

In an effort to enhance overall communication, this book shines the spotlight on the act of listening. Such focus is overdue. In it, listening trends and research are explored and recommendations are put forth to help raise greater awareness on the importance and value of positive listening. Good listening benefits all parties involved in all encounters.