Good listening isn’t just passive attention; it is an active tool that shapes how people think, feel, and connect. Professor Guy Itzchakov’s research shows that high-quality listening, marked by focused attention, accurate understanding, and a non-judgmental intent, facilitates profound introspection, self-disclosure, and social connection. When employees feel truly heard, they report higher job satisfaction and performance, stronger commitment, and lower burnout and turnover intentions. Experiments also show that being genuinely listened to reduces social defensiveness, promotes self-reflection, and can depolarize attitudes and disagreements.
In this Positive Links session, Prof. Itzchakov will share his cutting-edge research and unpack what makes listening “high quality” and why it matters for leaders, employees, and practitioners. Drawing on studies from his lab and work with organizations worldwide, he will explain the components of good listening and demonstrate concrete behaviors that make people feel understood. Join us to learn how high-quality listening builds trust, liking, and relationship satisfaction; how it can bridge ideological divides and spark innovation by reducing defensiveness; and how to cultivate a listening culture through training and practice. By the end of the session, you will have research-based tools to foster positive relationships and build organizations where people can thrive.
Guy Itzchakov is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Human Services at the University of Haifa, where he directs the “Interpersonal Listening and Social Influence Lab”. Guy received his PhD in Business Administration from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2017) and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto (2018).
His research focuses on the effects of high-quality listening on listeners’ and speakers’ emotions, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as listening training in organizations. Guy’s research includes laboratory experiments, field studies, and listening training studies. The latter examines how listening training programs in organizations impact managers, employees, and organizational outcomes. Other research lines include attitudes and persuasion, attitude ambivalence, and goal setting.
In 2023, Guy received an early career award from the Attitudes and Social Influence Group at the Society of Personality and Social Psychology. His research appeared in leading journals in Social and Organizational Psychology, such as the Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, Harvard Business Review, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Emotion, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, and Applied Psychology: An International Review. His research received funding from the Israel Science Foundation, the Israel-U.S. Bi-national Science Foundation, and the Templeton World Charity Foundation. Guy also writes a blog for Psychology Today called “The Listening Lens”.
The Positive Links Speaker Series, presented by Michigan Ross’ Center for Positive Organizations, offers inspiring and practical science-based strategies to build and bolster thriving organizations. Attendees learn from leading positive organizational scholars and connect with our community of academics, students, staff, and leaders.
Hosted by Monica Worline, Faculty Director, Center for Positive Organizations.
Register here for this free online event. Please note, this event has been standardized to the Eastern Time Zone.