The art of listening is a critical component of communication, but we rarely receive targeted training on the topic.

The strength of your skillset can make or break your career, and improving your ability to hear what others are saying will enable you to be a more effective leader, coach and colleague.

On October 25, as part of the new Lunchtime Learning series co-sponsored by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Meridian Technology Center, Dr. Ron Duggins will present, “Listen Up: Learning to Listen in a Noisy World.”

During this session, Duggins will explore the vital skill of listening – why it’s so critical, strategies to overcome common distractions in meetings, presentations and other scenarios, and how to reflect what you hear to strengthen relationships.

Duggins is a coach for the modern economy whose focus is on assisting organizations and individuals through education, training and coaching as they seek to reach their full potential and to thrive in today’s changing workplace and economy. As an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation, he partners with individuals and organizations to apply a coaching methodology in order to lay the groundwork for successful transitions, amplify personal and professional growth, and innovate and create change. As a professor in the field of management, entrepreneurship, and innovation, Duggins coaches and teaches the next generation of innovators and impact makers as well as conducts research into entrepreneurship support organizations.

Lunchtime Learning sessions are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Meridian’s campus. Registration is $15 per session and includes lunch. For more information or to register for the upcoming Lunchtime Learning series visit meridiantech.edu/lunchtime or contact Marcy Luter at marcyl@meridiantech.edu, (405) 377-3333 ext. 297 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509.