œAccording to Professors Nichols and Stevens of the University of Minnesota, the average person spends about 70 percent of each day engaged in some type of communication. More specifically, researchers report that of all the time we spend communicating each day, 45 percent is spent listening, 30 percent speaking, 16 percent reading, and only 9 percent writing (Rourke, 2009, p.224). Given this estimate, do you believe that it is true in your work environment? How would you rate your skills in the area of listening to others within the organization? What are some areas that you could improve upon in listening? Do you agree that listening is an important communication skill that should be practiced? Why or why not? Provide examples to support your conclusion. Make sure that you support your answers with research formatted using APA, and be sure to respond to at least two other learners initial postings.