Listening Types in Survivor

The time spent communicating is broken down as the following 40-70% listening, 20-35% speaking, 10-20% reading, and 5-10% writing. Therefore, listening is our number one communication activity. Most of us are not very good listeners. Although most of us can hear since it only requires the physical ability, not every one knows how to effectively listen, which requires complex thinking ability to understand, analyze, respect and appropriately respond. Especially in survivor, as Reed comments “there are a lot of strong personalities” listening is that much more challenging in groups than in pairs.

For example, Jeremy was upset that his tribe wanted to make a deal with Probst for more rice. During his one on one time with the camera, “”Why y’all so hungry over a little bit of rice?” He expressed his concern for the exchange although I am sure his group heard him but did not listen. He even questioned their reasoning knowing that they could easily win a challenge soon and they would have a feast. However, they did not listen and they decided to trade their comfort items including the tarp, blankets, pillows, the extra flint and some tools like an axe and pots. They were left with only a few items and “starting from scratch”. Sure enough, they should have listened to Jeremy. In the next challenge, the reward was a survivor grill and a lot of meat—and to their surprise, they win the challenge. They now have food but what if it rains?

This is a perfect example of why is it important to listen effectively in groups. Jeremy was the only one opposed to trading in their group event thought they should have reasoned. To make matters worse, it starts raining. Now, Jeremy is extremely upset that they do not have their comfort items to keep them dry from the long and cold storm. Lesson learned!