Research indicates that poor listening is perhaps the single most common factor in relationships that go awry. If you can’t listen, and listen well, then there is little chance for positive communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy. Conversely, success in an array of realms including the workplace, parent-child interactions, friendships, and healthy romantic relationships is highly correlated with good listening.

Given the powerful impact of the ability to listen, it is rather surprising that it is poorly understood and often approached with myths and misleading assumptions.

For example, the old adage that men are generally poor listeners has not been born out in the latest research. For sure, some men have been socialized to listen in different ways than women, but among research samples of groups deemed “good” listeners and “bad” listeners, there does not seem to be a greater proportion of men vs. women represented. Moreover, a long-standing stereotype is that men lack empathy; well, it turns out that among those who listen poorly, including poor male listeners, attempts to be empathic frequently occur but do so at times when they are not welcomed by the other party. The error lies not in there being little or no empathy, but in the empathy being misappropriated.

In the next virtual meeting of the Men’s Group Seminar on Saturday, May 16, 2020 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will review the latest scientific findings on good and bad listening skills, and take a closer look at gender differences.

* Registration Directions: If you would like to attend the virtual meeting of the Men’s Group Seminar on May 16, 2020, 10:15 to 11:30 AM, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com at your earliest convenience. The fee is $25.00 (payable before entering the virtual meeting) and informed consent for participation in this telehealth event must be completed prior to the seminar. Please note that the Men’s Group Seminar is psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and does not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.