Introduction:
This advanced course on “Listening Skills for Administrative Professionals” is designed to help participants enhance their active listening skills, improve communication, and build stronger relationships within the workplace. Effective listening is key to understanding instructions, resolving issues, and maintaining professional relationships.

Course Objectives:

• Develop active listening skills and improve workplace communication.
• Learn techniques for understanding and retaining information.
• Enhance the ability to ask clarifying questions and respond appropriately.
• Identify barriers to effective listening and how to overcome them.
• Strengthen professional relationships through improved listening.

Who Should Attend:
This course is ideal for:

• Administrative professionals seeking to improve their listening and communication skills.
• Office managers responsible for team collaboration and communication.
• Individuals who interact frequently with clients, colleagues, or supervisors.
• Professionals looking to enhance their ability to retain and respond to information effectively.

Day 1: Fundamentals of Effective Listening

• Understanding the Importance of Listening
  • The role of listening in effective communication and workplace success.
  • Active listening vs. passive listening.
• The Listening Process
  • Steps involved in active listening: receiving, understanding, evaluating, and responding.
• Identifying Barriers to Listening
  • Common barriers to effective listening and strategies to overcome them.

Day 2: Active Listening Techniques

• Developing Active Listening Skills
  • Techniques for focusing attention and staying present during conversations.
  • Using non-verbal cues (eye contact, nodding, posture) to show engagement.
• Clarifying and Paraphrasing
  • Techniques for asking clarifying questions and paraphrasing to ensure understanding.
• Listening for Key Information
  • Identifying main points and important details in conversations.

Day 3: Responding Appropriately

• Providing Constructive Feedback
  • How to give and receive feedback effectively during conversations.
  • Responding to questions, concerns, and requests with clarity and empathy.
• Handling Difficult Conversations
  • Techniques for listening in challenging or emotionally charged situations.
• Managing Interruptions and Distractions
  • Maintaining focus and attention during conversations.

Day 4: Building Better Relationships Through Listening

• Improving Workplace Relationships
  • Using listening skills to build trust and rapport with colleagues and clients.
• Conflict Resolution through Listening
  • Listening techniques for resolving conflicts and misunderstandings.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence in Listening
  • How empathy enhances listening and improves interpersonal communication.

Day 5: Practical Listening Skills and Evaluation

• Listening Skills in Action
  • Practical exercises and role-playing to demonstrate active listening.
  • Real-world scenarios for practicing listening in the workplace.
• Final Wrap-up and Evaluation
  • Self-assessment and feedback session.
  • Developing a personal action plan for improving listening skills.