I work with a guy that is a horrible listener.............?

Question

I'll ask him one question and he either answers with something totally unrelated to what I asked him or he is so concered about making his point that he does not here a word I am saying. I can only take the guy in small "amounts". How do i best handle this?


SIDENOTE: This guy is 56 y/o and the sad part of it is he does not even know he has this problem. I think he has self-image problems. He seems to try to go out of his way to impress people with his past so-called mediocre accomplishments that frankly,no one really cares about.

Answer 1

I used to supervise a bunch of people and if I could have had one wish it would have been to get people to listen. People have a way of hearing only what they want to hear, or distorting what you say. It's all because they live in their head and filter everything so that it lines up with the image they have of themselves. It's all ego. They really don't have what it takes to live up to reality.

One thing to try is to take what you have to say and parse it, break it up into smaller bits and make him understand each bit, or try. Then Put all the bits together and try to make him see the bigger picture. If that doesn't work, then just tip toe around him 'cause "there are none so blind as those who will not see."

Answer 2

You said it best, take the guy in small amounts. Try to avoid talking to him, unless you have to. If you need an answer, let him rant, then ask him the question again. How are you getting your answers now? Maybe you should just try that first, instead of asking him.

Answer 3

A very common occurance as one grows older. The best way to cure him is to ask him a complicated question, give him a minute or two to think about it and as soon as he begins to answer, walk away. If he tries to start talking again later, again walk away. When he questions you on what you are doing, ask him how he feels, as that is what he has been doing for a long time. Then in future when he does it, walk away and he will soon realise his problem..............

Answer 4

women like assholes because they prefer the potential of having the flexibility to regulate a jerk right into a sweet guy. also assholes portray self belief, women love self belief. the first area of my answer is the numerous reason for it. It receives diverse once you become older. i became that way i became 17 and 18....Then I were given older and realized i needed a service, ya comprehend, some one sweet who may shield me. women your age are in asshole looking mode. Sorry dude.

Answer 5

He might have a hearing problem or just isn't interested in anything others say to him. If I had to put up with him for work reasons, I would e-mail all my questions to him so he could respond that way. He can read, can't he?

Answer 6

I would tell him about it. Just sit him down, and, since he has listening problems, just be short and not-so-sweet. Tell him that you would appreciate it if he would listen to what you have to say, especially when it concerns work. Don't let him talk- in these conversations you must dominate. Don't let things get nasty, however- if he starts freaking out, just leave it alone. Just make sure he's really listening, and make it SHORT.
Tell him like it is.

Answer 7

May be just may be he has more important issues or may be you are a very boring person the sort of person no one likes talking to because its always me, me, me, you need to open you're mind accept this person for who he is and not what you want them to be

Answer 8

You are probably right about why he does this. My advice would be to just continue to limit yourself to small doses of him. Flatter him, he obviously has issues.

Answer 9

I'm sorry what did you say again? I wasn't paying attention.

Answer 10

I know lots of people that are like that.