Listening skills are essential for the assistant.
Listening and understanding everything that is said may be difficult in a fast paced environment. This is where active listening will help. Active listening allows you to connect with and understand the speaker. Additionally, it is a skill that may be honed.
Improve Active Listening:
Face the speaker and make eye contact. Let the speaker know that you are listening. Turn off distractions and focus on what is said.
Do not listen in silence. Respond when it is appropriate so that the speaker knows you are listening. Body language will speak for you, so be aware of how you present yourself.
Avoid preconceived ideas when speaking with someone.
Do not interrupt, even if you have something to say.
Restate what speaker says to make sure that you understand..
Be respectful when you answer the speaker.