Answer to Question 1
Answer: E
Explanation: E) Your long-term career prospects are closely tied to your ability to listen effectively. In fact, some 80 percent of top executives say that listening is the most important skill needed to get things done in the workplace. Plus, today's younger employees place a high premium on being heard, so listening is becoming even more vital for managers.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: The first step in preparing for a meeting is to make sure the meeting is really necessary. If a meeting is truly necessary, clarify your purpose. Most meetings are one of two types: Informational meetings involve sharing information and perhaps coordinating action. Decision-making meetings involve analysis, problem solving, and in many cases, persuasive communication. Whatever your purpose, make sure it is clear and specificand clearly communicated to all participants. Participants should be carefully selected. Invite everyone who really needs to be involved, and don't invite anyone who doesn't. For decision-making meetings, for example, invite only those people who are in a direct position to help the meeting reach its objective. Choose the time and place. Online meetings are often the best way (and sometimes the only way) to connect people in multiple locations or to reach large audiences. For on-site meetings, review the facility and the seating arrangements. Finally, set and share the agenda. People who will be presenting information need to know what is expected of them, non-presenters need to know what will be presented so they can prepare questions, and everyone needs to know how long the meeting will last. In addition, the agenda is an important tool for guiding the progress of the meeting.