How can you improve listening skills in construction?

1 Be attentive and focused

The first step to improve your listening skills is to pay attention to the speaker and focus on what they are saying, not on what you are thinking or doing. This means avoiding distractions, such as your phone, tools, or other tasks, and making eye contact, nodding, or using other non-verbal cues to show interest and respect. It also means avoiding interruptions, such as talking over, finishing sentences, or changing the subject, unless it is necessary for clarification or safety.

2 Be empathetic and respectful

The second step to improve your listening skills is to empathize with the speaker and respect their perspective, feelings, and opinions, even if you disagree or have a different point of view. This means acknowledging their emotions, such as frustration, anger, or excitement, and validating their concerns, such as challenges, risks, or opportunities, without judging, criticizing, or dismissing them. It also means asking open-ended questions, such as how, what, or why, to show curiosity and understanding, and paraphrasing or summarizing what they said to confirm and check your comprehension.

3 Be responsive and constructive

The third step to improve your listening skills is to respond to the speaker and provide constructive feedback, suggestions, or solutions, based on what you heard and understood. This means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a clear, concise, and polite way, using positive and respectful language, and avoiding blame, sarcasm, or insults. It also means offering praise, appreciation, or encouragement, where appropriate, and seeking agreement, compromise, or action, where needed, to achieve a common goal or resolve a conflict.

4 Be open-minded and flexible

The fourth step to improve your listening skills is to be open-minded and flexible, and willing to learn from the speaker and adapt to changing situations or expectations. This means being curious and interested in new ideas, perspectives, or information, and avoiding assumptions, biases, or stereotypes that might cloud your judgment or prevent you from hearing the whole message. It also means being receptive and responsive to feedback, criticism, or suggestions that might help you improve your performance, skills, or relationships.

6 Be consistent and committed

The sixth and final step to improve your listening skills is to be consistent and committed, and practice and apply these tips regularly and intentionally. This means making listening a habit and a priority, and not a one-time or occasional effort. It also means seeking and creating opportunities to listen and learn from others, such as your colleagues, customers, or supervisors, and giving and receiving feedback to improve your listening skills and outcomes.