We all think we’re good listeners… until we’re in conflict.

In this episode of Everyday ABA, hosts Paola, Brittany, and Leslie break down listening styles. Not how we talk, but how we hear; and, why listening is often the real reason communication falls apart. Using applied behavior analysis (ABA), psychology, and real-life examples from their own dynamic, they explore five common communication styles: listening to respond, listening to agree, listening to disagree, listening to understand, and listening to win.

Paola unpacks what it means to listen for solutions. Leslie explores validation and people-oriented listening. Brittany dives into critical listening and why disagreement isn’t always rejection. Together, they explain how different listening styles are reinforced, how mismatched listening leads to conflict at work and in relationships, and how to adjust your communication based on what the conversation actually needs.

Whether you’re navigating workplace communication, leadership conversations, relationships, or parenting, this episode will help you identify your own listening style, understand others better, and communicate more effectively. If you’ve ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or frustrated during conversations, this episode will change how you listen.

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Listening Styles: Are You Listening to Agree, Fix, or Argue?