This article describes a first-day, in-class exercise that has worked to elevate student awareness of the importance of attentive listening to achieving interpersonal success. Small groups of students answer one of six questions about the impact of the listener's behavior on speakers, and class discussion revolves around their answers. Students learn how important it is to consciously manage listening behavior. This exercise is also an outstanding springboard for introducing topics the professor will discuss later in the semester, including supporting, coaching, disciplining, interviewing, and team building.
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