Question

Maia is telling her colleague Jeff about working with a particular client, who has a reputation for
being demanding and difficult. When Maia begins to share some of her strategies for dealing with
the client, Jeff interjects with his own story about a difficult client. Which of the following best
explains Jeff's reaction?
Jeff is being judgmental about Maia's methods for interacting with the difficult client.
Jeff is trying to be empathetic, but his "me too" statement is preventing him from being an
effective listener.
Jeff's "me too" statement is a component of active listening and designed to give Maia
some effective tips for dealing with the client.
Jeff is using a reflecting statement to show he is an active listener.

Answer 1

Jeff is trying to be empathetic, but his "me too" statement is preventing him from being an effective listener.

Explanation: Interrupting with your own similar story shifts attention away from the speaker and breaks their chance to fully express themselves. This type of response is not judgmental, not a reflective statement, and not part of effective active listening (which uses paraphrasing, reflecting feelings, open questions, and minimal encouragers).