![]() Don’t hesitate to ask if the speaker needs a moment to compose themselves, but do so tactfully and with respect. Acknowledge this fact and let the person know that it’s all right to feel these emotions. Some topics, particularly sensitive ones or those involving private information, might make people emotional. Some nonverbal cues include their gestures, facial expressions, where they look while they talk, posture, and more. For instance, a person’s body language may show a lack of confidence, even if what they say indicates the opposite. You can gain much more insight into someone’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions through nonverbal communication. Robert Baden-Powell once advised, “If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talk.” With that said, don’t just pay attention to the words someone says. Asking open-ended questions demonstrates you’re listening and encourages further discussion. Sometimes you may restate what they’ve said as a way to ensure you understand them. One of the best active listening techniques is to ask the speaker questions. Show the speaker they have your full attention. Scott Peck once said, “You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.” Note what could cause a distraction and get rid of it. ![]() Leaders may also choose to have an open-door policy, where employees can come talk to them when they feel they need to. That might mean establishing a policy of open communication where people are free to give their opinions. Create a Safe Environment AdvertisementsĪccording to the same Zenger/Folkman study, one of the essential active listening skills is creating an environment that helps people feel comfortable talking about sensitive or complex topics. The following active listening techniques and skills will help you become a better active listener, as well as a better leader. Many executives and managers believe it simply means sitting there and listening to a speaker, but it involves so much more than that. Greater confidence among employees 11 Active Listening TechniquesĪctive listening skills don’t always come naturally.Improved communication throughout the organization.Stronger relationships and trust among coworkers.Some of the benefits of active listening include: When this is done, a person’s self-esteem grows and they feel like they are more capable of speaking up. Attentive listening shows you value the speaker and their words, thoughts, feelings, and emotions. As they talk, the person listens intently and solely concentrates on what they are saying. What Is Active Listening?Īctive listening is when a person gives their full, undivided attention to someone speaking. And the top ways to actively listen in an increasingly virtual world.Actionable active listening techniques you can start trying today.Learn more about what separates active listening from regular listening.Without active listening skills, leaders will see their employees grow more frustrated and less trusting over time, leading to less productivity and lower rates of employee retention. As Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”Īll leaders need to go beyond traditional listening and become active listeners who earn the speaker’s trust. ![]() ![]() AdvertisementsĪttentive listening isn’t just about hearing what someone says-it involves making sure the other person feels heard, understood, and valued. We couldn’t believe leadership was finally listening and taking action on our recommendations.”Ī leader who acts as an effective active listener can revolutionize organizations and entire industries, but few understand what active listening is, let alone do it. One anonymous employee described the experience like this: “When David issued a call for ideas, many of which were actually implemented, it was almost earth-shattering. Not only did he hear what they had to say, but he also had the company change to meet these new, important ideas. Using his active listening skills, Abney went on a worldwide listening leadership tour to hear what employees and customers wanted to see done differently.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |