Review of Listening without Agenda

[Stephanie Gail Stephen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Listening without Agenda" by Andrew McMasters.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Listening Without Agenda by Andrew McMasters is a book that hones one's listening skills within a business or company. The lessons in the book will not only assist with effective listening within a business; they can also be used in daily life. Many people today are distracted by their devices, and the author makes us aware of this and other distractions that occur within the mind when conversing with someone. With the author's background in the theater and running an improv company, McMasters shares the knowledge gained on how to be a better listener and ultimately create self-growth by being present and aware. One of the points the author mentions is how an actor usually does not care about any of the other lines in a script, and they usually only focus on their own lines. He uses this as an example to show how in conversation we focus more on what we want to say instead of hearing what the other person is saying.

The need to reply based on my experience resonated with me the most, as doing this often led me to not listen effectively to what the other person was saying at that moment. I found myself realizing how much I miss out on in a conversation based on the understanding of how I usually tend to converse and listen to another person as well as respond with a solution because of the need to solve problems or be the "fixer."

The author provides practical workshop scenarios to create a learning point on how to listen more effectively. I found the tools that the author provides most helpful. However, I would have liked to read more real-life examples in social scenarios of how some conversations go and how to correct any of those bad listening habits that formed. The author's writing style was clear and concise, but I did spot some grammar issues in the book.

I would recommend this book to a reader wanting to implement all-around better relationships in the workplace as well as anyone wanting to hone in on their listening skills with their social groups. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I deducted a star only because I detected some grammar issues in the book. Overall, this book would be beneficial for any reader.

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Listening without Agenda
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[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

This book has a lot to teach us. Indeed listening skills are important in any relationship, professional or private. Being present and aware while listening, and trying to control the need to respond immediately... I am glad the author is sharing tips on how to be a good listener.