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The Role of Listener Assignment
The Role of Listener Assignment
According to Schultze and Badzinksi (2015), listening entails more than merely hearing sounds. A
good listener pays attention to what others are saying, demonstrates empathy and understanding, asks
insightful questions, and does not interrupt or dominate the conversation. A good listener is someone
who sincerely cares about what others are saying and makes an effort to understand and connect with
them. They are kind and patient, making the speaker feel heard and valued. A good listener also offers
criticism and validation, as well as support and encouragement when necessary. They can put
themselves in the speaker's shoes and comprehend their point of view, which aids in the development of
trust and the strengthening of the connection. The statement I want to analyze from Chapter 2 of
Schultze and Badzinski (2015) is "let us know that listening is something we all need to work on, and it's
not a simple task.” The phrase highlights the importance of active and good listening skills. It also
recognizes that listening is a talent that requires continual work and growth rather than being something
that everyone is born with. "Listening is difficult. Listening is a dirty business. Complicated.
Counterintuitive." Schultze and Badzinski (2015), p. 12. Listening is a talent that may be cultivated and
enhanced as a counselor over time. It means that with work and practice, counselors may improve their
listening skills, which can lead to greater communication, healthier relationships, and a better
understanding of other people's viewpoints. According to Kluger and Itzchakov (2022), excellent listening
may also include asking pertinent and sensitive questions, seeking clarification, and maintaining a
nonjudgmental attitude (p. 123).
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The Role of Listener Assignment
We are frequently slow to hear, fast to say, and quick to rage; God expects us to be excellent listeners
to have a stronger connection with Him and others. "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to
anger." (James 1:19 KJV). Listening is difficult; it needs discipline, effort, and intentionality. The Bible teaches us
how to be faithful to God, discipline ourselves, and serve others. God-awareness and God-engagement, self-
awareness and self-engagement, and other-awareness and other-engagement are the six "relational wisdom"
concepts discussed by Schultze and Badzinski (2015).
Chapter seven of Schultze and Badzinski (2015) discusses the five differences between conflicts and
disagreements, the four myths about conflicts, and some Biblical-based steps for resolving conflict.
Resolving conflict is not as easy as starting a conflict. Schulze and Badzinski (2015) provide ways to
resolve conflict without potentially ruining our relationships. First, we should glorify God and imitate His
goodness; second, we should be willing to take responsibility for the wrongs we have done to others;
third, pull the offender aside and talk with them; and fourth, we should be forgiving and reconcile with
the offender. Next, we should seek peace, tranquility, or shalom by being virtuous, humble, mild-
mannered, gentle, inviting, cooperative, patient and embracing our difference (Schultze & Badzinski,
2015).
The Bible teaches that God is merciful and forgiving, even when we disobey His commands and
teachings, and even when we often fail to meet His desires and expectations for our lives. God is full of
mercy and forgiveness, and he sets a good example for believers. Schulze and Badzinski (2015) discuss
forgiveness in Chapter 8. God's love is unconditional; He freely forgives transgressions and does not
recall them. We frequently forgive others without forgetting it. Holding on to previous pain may be
detrimental. If we are unable to forgive, we should seek Christian counseling, especially if the incident
was painful. There are four promises of forgiveness. We should not use the incident to bring harm, or
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The Role of Listener Assignment
gossip about it, allow the incident to keep us from reestablishing relationships, and not dwell on the
hurtful actions (Schultze & Badzinski, 2015). The challenges of unforgiveness can be addressed by
seeking a Christian Counselor for help. Counselors should encourage individuals to forgive and forget
which brings complete healing.
A good listener should avoid giving advice, agreeing, disagreeing, and defending the talker (Peterson,
2015). Peterson’s chapters 14-16 talks about how a listener should be, the goals, and the things a listener
should not do. According to Kluger and Itzchakov (2022), excellent listening may also include asking
pertinent and sensitive questions, seeking clarification, and maintaining a nonjudgmental attitude (p.
123). Effective listening necessitates confidence based on "openness" (Gilligan and Eddy, 2021). I believe
I am an excellent listener. I tend to listen and be sensitive to the needs of others because of my "S/C" or
"C/S" type personality (submissive, competent, passive), but I need to be a bit more aggressive and know
when to flip the card and express myself (Carbonell, 2008; Peterson, 2015).
Chapters 14 to 16 of Peterson tell us what a listener should be, what their goals are, and what they
shouldn't do. Kluger and Itzchakov (2022) suggest that good listening also includes asking relevant and
sensitive questions, seeking clarification, and being non-judgmental (p.123). Effective listening requires
trust based on “openness” (Gilligan and Eddy, 2021). I consider myself to be an excellent listener.
Because of my "S/C" or "C/S" personality which are submissive, competent, competent, and passive. I
listen and respond to the needs of others, but I must also be a little more assertive and change my
attitude when. (Carbonell, 2008; Peterson, 2015).
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The Role of Listener Assignment
References
Carbonell, M. (2008). How to solve the people puzzle, understanding personality patterns. Blue
Ridge, GA: Uniquely You Resources.
GILLIGAN, C., & EDDY, J. (2021). THE LISTENING GUIDE: REPLACING JUDGMENT WITH CURIOSITY. QUALITATIVE
PSYCHOLOGY, 8(2), 141-151. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1037/QUP0000213
KLUGER, A. N., & ITZCHAKOV, G. (2022). THE POWER OF LISTENING AT WORK. ANNUAL REVIEW OF
ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR, 9, 121-
146. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1146/ANNUREV-ORGPSYCH-012420-091013
King James Version (2020). Holman Bible Publishers
Peterson, J. C. (2015). Why don’t we listen better? Communicating & connecting in
relationships. Portland, OR: Peterson Publications.
Schultze, Q. J., & Badzinski, D. M. (2015). An essential guild to interpersonal communication:
Building great relationships with faith, skill, and virtue in the age of social media. Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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