Professional managers examine their listening ability

This article describes the results of a study of perceived listening abilities among members of a professional organization much like the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA). Those members completed a listening types inventory, and the results were analyzed. About 75% of the members were classified as passive or detached listeners, the least effective types; only about 2% were active listeners, the most effective type. The results also showed that females perceived themselves to be better listeners than did males, and there were no significant differences based on age. Those who had taken more than one listening training seminar or course had significantly higher scores on the inventory than did those who had no training or just one seminar or course. The implications of these findings for professional managers are discussed at the conclusion of the article.