Power Listening by Bernard Ferrari Review - Book Report/Review Example

? Power Listening by Bernard Ferrari - Book Review Power Listening by Bernard Ferrari - Book Review Introduction and Brief Overview of the Book Listening is an essential instrument for any organization to move forth. It is through effective listening that operations within an organization are carried out effectively. This paper looks into importance of listening within an organizational setting with focus placed on the book Power Listening. But first, here is a summary of the book in itself. The book Power Listening as authored by Bernard Ferrari is an argument of how several organizations operate from wrong decisions which can be blamed on issues of failures in listening. The book takes into account the fact that listening has potential of causing fluctuations in terms of organizational revenues and losses. The book gives significant evidence of the same especially when the author identifies some collective epitomes of listening by organizational personnel as poor listeners (Ferrari, 2012). Following this, he bases submission of organizations to self-evaluation with regards to their staff. Upon identifying major causes for listening problems, Ferrari in his book presents effective guidelines through which listening can be effectively acquired. The book also provides insights on how to develop an effective framework of information. This is captured in the middle sections of his book where he points out that equivalence of information framework is a stereotype of drawers set to represent different segments of problem solving in business as well as actions thereof. The categories the book identifies are plan, mandate, personal, team and execution which he notes that can be easily applied by executives. He further provides questions to help in gauging the minds of the reader as far as understanding of the book is concerned especially with respect to countering complicated business challenges and making transforming them into strategies for organizational success. The book concludes by highlighting on how to change organizational dynamics and culture through effective listening approaches. It calls for application of personalized principles in occasions so as to help in getting them understood better. Application to Organizational Behavior From his own experience and profession, Ferrari clearly gives essence behind power of listening with regards to contemporary business environment. This is also presented as the main subject area through which the basis of the book is placed. He attributes success in organizational and business operations to effective mastery and listening skills. In his book, he points out on how listening skills are a key factor in attaining success yet on the other hand are capable of driving an organization to failure (Ferrari, 2012). With basis on research point of view, Ferrari argues that in an organizational setting, weak listening is responsible for acquisition of bad decisions. He therefore stresses the need for effective listening so as to help in making the speaker comfortable and also offer reliable information to the receiving persons. The book notes that bad decisions which usually affect organizational operations and businesses are experienced following imprecise and inadequate information (Ferrari, 2012). Nonetheless, listening is captured in the book as a skill which can be acquired by way of learning. It however, does not only entail learning, but also practice and personal application whenever there is need for communication. Ferrari believes that wrong approaches in listening can be checked thorough consistent and thorough process of practicing and upgrading communication and listening skills. Following this, he provides a series of steps which can be employed in developing effective listeners whenever there is a conversation going on He also considers business persons by pointing out that their listening is important and should always be done purposefully. By referring to purposeful listening, Ferrari implies the need to have a conversation while engaging listeners in getting clear understanding of information contained in the conversation (Euler et al., 2011, p. 285). For this to be achieved, Ferrari states that listeners should filter information presented to them in order to have the necessary facts and reliable sources thereof. Analysis of the Book Based on Sound Research From a perspective of research, the author of the book has provided a number of practical information and advices. He has based these advices on the application and essence of listening from a view of interpersonal situations. He further includes a varied number of listeners in type who other people can have interactions with as well as relate to in different ways (Ferrari, 2012). The book also presents a sequential approach in acquisition of developing listening skills. These are evidence that the author had an understanding of his points when writing the book since he draws them from his personal perspective yet at the same time reflecting on what organizations are as far as communication and listening are concerned. The writer is also determined to identify his objectives. His book clearly explains how pitfalls can be avoided in conversations and how to correct any that may arise (Hackman and Johnson, 2009). This is important for organizations since all organizations are in operations which involve communication and involvement of information. These can only be effective and drive production when there is effective listening. Hence, Ferrari talks of basic listening principles as well as fundamental tools which should be applied so as to realize effectiveness in organizations and also achieve out of effective listening. The author demonstrates effective researching into what entails listening in that he identifies and presents some techniques which are easy to adopt by individuals who are determined to acquire good mastery and listening skills. He is also seen to provide varied examples which are useful in improving individual listening skills. This is presented in the way he identifies some of the vices which may not only bar people from becoming better listeners, but also better business partners. A good understanding of the writer in what he presents is demonstrated especially in the way he presents his points as to why listening needs concentration from listeners. He matches this to importance that is realized from listeners’ contribution as far as listening is concerned. Listeners are required to contribute to conversations since conversation is a formation of both speakers and listeners. Latini (2009, p. 24) points out that “As a result, listeners should focus on the content; generate the necessary interruption to advance the conversation more attractively and effectively”. This is important since it helps in bringing focus to the exact areas of concern as addressed in a conversation. The author also states that through listening there is acquisition of sources used in arriving at decisions as well as decision making processes. He points out that a decision making process should always be made clear so as to ensure that there is effectiveness of the highest level (Ferrari, 2012). This depicts proper understanding of the writer in as much as he knows listening is important in organizational setting. It also demonstrates his prowess in why listening is an important tool when it comes to business as attributed to his experience in professional field. His approach in identifying and classifying six types of poor listeners is also proof of his analytical skills as far as the power of listening is concerned. This also shows how his researching skills into the subject are effective and efficient. Following these, the book clearly distinguishes the six types of bad listeners namely: the Opinionator, the Preambler, the Perseverator, the Answer Man and the Pretender (Euler et al., 2011). These are classified to the point of understanding different views and ideas of different personalities with regards to listening. His classification of the six categories of listeners presents his good understanding of vital principles which are required in listening. Accuracy of the Book The research presented in the book was accurate. This follows the fact that the writer has had a lot of experiences in his professional field as well as in different positions thereby according him a lot of skills as far as listening is concerned. He is endowed with efficient skills and knowledge in listening and how listening is relevant in a business environment. To prove his accuracy in the research, the author has demonstrated an understanding of the facts presented in the book. He also distinguishes his facts in a way that can be clearly understood and interpreted. Originality of his work is also precise from his own experiences as well as from what he has come to learn from different sources. Potential Impacts of the Book in the Workplace The book will be important at workplace since it will impart a number of qualities which are useful in a working environment. The book will be effective and of great importance is in upgrading personal listening skills which will enhance growth in terms of inter-relations. As a professional in a given field, this book is useful in understanding the process of conversations and how to make conversations effective and productive. This follows the fact that conversations happen almost every time and everywhere. Therefore, listening skills will be essential in engaging conversations with different people and understanding different views as given by different personalities. Last but not least, the book will help in enhancing a conducive working environment by way of imparting proper listening skills. Apart from this, it helps in identifying one’s weaknesses regarding listening on the basis of the six classifications of listeners identified by Ferrari. Conclusion In conclusion, the book presents essential skills required not only for personal growth, but also for organizational development in terms of operations and business. Ferrari has provided practical aspects which make listening be a thing to embrace by individuals and organizations. The book is important since it identifies pertinent areas in listening skills which are important for organizational growth and development. The author challenges minds to have value in listening and also promote listening both for businesses and for individuals, as well as point out why it is important to embrace effective and adequate listening skills. Indeed, mastery is important in realizing effectiveness in business operations and organizational development. However, it is clear from the book that mastery cannot be present unless there is effective and efficient listening skills and practice by individuals. This book is good for and recommended to everyone since it cuts across all areas where listening is required. References Euler, M.,Vollmar, B. H., & Kraus, S. (2011). Communication matters—Network constellations in entrepreneurship. International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 3 (3), 283–301. Ferrari, B. (2012). Power Listening: Mastering the Most Critical Business Skill of All. New York: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated. Hackman, Z., and Johnson, E. (2009). Leadership: A communication perspective. Long Grove, IL: Waveland. Latini, T. (2009). Nonviolent Communication: A Humanizing Ecclesial and Educational Practice. Journal of Education & Christian Belief JE&CB, 13 (1), 19–31. Read More