What are the common levels of listening as proposed by Covey?

The common levels of listening as proposed by Stephen Covey detail a progression from less effective to more effective forms of listening. The correct answer illustrates this progression clearly:

1. Ignoring - At this level, the listener is disengaged and pays no attention to the speaker. This reflects a lack of respect or interest in the conversation.

2. Pretending - Here, the listener may be physically present but is not genuinely engaged. They might nod or provide surface-level responses without truly understanding or absorbing the message.

3. Selectively - This involves listening to certain parts of the conversation that resonate with the listener while tuning out the rest. It often leads to misunderstandings as essential information may be overlooked.

4. Attentively - This is the highest level of listening in Covey’s framework, where the listener fully engages with the speaker, seeking to understand their perspective and the message being conveyed. This level enhances communication and builds stronger relationships.

This structure emphasizes the importance of active engagement in listening processes, encouraging individuals to progress towards more effective listening to enhance interpersonal communication and collaboration.