Why Don't We Listen Better?: Communicating & Connecting in Relationships

Dr. Jim Petersen says, "e;You can listen your way to better relationships."e; His often humorous book, loaded with practical tips, examples, and techniques, can bail you out of many touchy situations.

It highlights an approach to getting along with folks with whom you really don't agree.

His powerfully intuitive yet tongue-in-cheek Flat Brain Syndrome shows how and why we and others get upset and confused and what to do about it.

We may think we're good listeners, but not many of us are.

When others talk, we focus on what we think, rather than what they are trying to say.

Few of us know how to use the power of listening to improve life for ourselves or those around us.

Jim says that good communication uses the same skills in a professional office, on a date, in a corporate boardroom, or at a kitchen table.

He discusses the need to abandon the win-lose mentality of the courtroom-like culture that so often puts us at odds with each other. "e;Listen"e; shows how to improve talking and listening/counseling skills using his pice de rsistance, the Talker-Listener Card.

It emphasizes the "e;taking turns"e; mode we learned as children and can end arguing as we know it.

From intimate to casual and work-related communication, Petersen's TLC is practical, easy to use and portable, a format that elevates idle banter and argument into the arena of authentic dialogue.

When people use the Card they help each other relax, think clearer and build empathy and cooperation.

Additional chapters on using the Card can improve listening for couples, difficult groups and families with a dinner table game. It is a great resource for counselors and teachers.

He presents more than thirty time-tested listening techniques to help you deal with common communication land mines.

A listening technique at the end of each chapter can get you started right away improving the relationships that matter to you.

He wrote the book in short sections, which are labeled in a lengthy Table of Contents, so you can immediately find the technique or idea you want to review.

His insights will give you creative ways to handle daily interactions and the more difficult situations of anger, grief, disagreement and decision-making.