Listening Fundamental #4—
Paraphrasing
When you paraphrase, you are stating, more of less in the speaker’s own words, what was said. This will demonstrate that you have heard what the speaker is saying.
Paraphrasing also demonstrates that you understand the underlying meaning of the words you heard. That may require restating what you heard in your own words. The danger in restating is that you may saturate the speaker’s statements with your own personal twist or point of view. It is important to listen, paraphrase, or restate without prejudging what you hear.
*Note: The Game Plan refers to the Application Activity
Application Activity: Request a colleague you are working with to send you a Goal or Task from the LeadershipGenius App. During your next One on One meeting with them, after asking directive or supportive questions, focus on Paraphrasing how the individual is feeling about the goal or task they are working on. Make sure that there is agreement with their Paraphrase. The individual may want to reword their statements based on your paraphrase. The goal of this activity is to help them clarify any needs, direction, or support they have in relation to the goal or task they are working on.
