How can you provide feedback and validation when actively listening?

Non verbal cues play a huge role in this situation. Leaning in, meeting eye level, holding gaze, nodding, head shake, everything can add to give loud and clear feedback to the speaker every moment along the way.

As a Therapist and Coach, I have found that clarifying is an important communication technique to echo back to the person what they just said: " so what I heard you say is that" is that correct". By doing so you recognize you are either both on the same page or may have misheard or interpreted differently as not everyone reads cues the same way. While at the same time you are validating the person and recognizing their input. Validation helps other feel valued!

Non verbal is important, as is simply allowing time and respectful space for other parties to make and finish their point, without interruption or being spoken over. Appreciation of different communication styles will establish pace, or pause for reflection and collection of thoughts. Follow up questions to clarify and expand on topics demonstrate interest and valuing what the other person has to say.

Another effective non-verbal action that indicates your interest and willingness to connect with someone is mirroring. Mirroring is the behavior in which one person subconsciously imitates the gesture, speech pattern, or attitude of another. This helps to signal that we are connected to that person in some way and it is an effective way to demonstrate empathy. This is a common technique used in Neuro-linguistic Programming used to gain rapport at the unconscious level.

As a Life and Mindfulness Coach, I have valuable strategies to enhance active listening abilities. 1. Be Present: Put away distractions, set aside your devices, and let your complete attention be a gift to the speaker. 2. Cultivate Empathy: Seek to understand the speaker's perspective and emotions genuinely. 3. Silence the Inner Dialogue: Mindfulness can be a guide to quieting that internal chatter. 4. Hone Non-Verbal Communication: Remember, your body language, eye contact, and facial expressions communicate volumes. 5. Reflect and Validate: After the speaker wraps up, take a moment to reflect on what you've heard. 6. Open Your Heart: As a mindfulness coach, I emphasize the importance of opening your heart to others. Hope this helps!

In providing meaningful feedback, it is encouraged that we avoid judgment and criticism as it will increase one's defensiveness. However, there are occasions where objective observations can be communicated in a thoughtful and sensitive way. Not calling out on someone's negative tendency is unkind. What is utmost importance is expressing what is true and specific. Here's an example of how it can be expressed: "I truly see how you struggle with your anger and it's commendable that you're actively working on it. In our last conversation, I noticed that you were brash with your choice of words. I wish to highlight to you so that you are more aware. I wonder if you've considered how that might impact your listener when you spoke that way?"

Active listening creates the right conditions for meaningful reflection. Using neutral language that invites curiosity is key. Engaging your emotional intelligence and compassion while communicating is another. Asking helpful questions that encourage the other person taking in all aspects of the conversation. Make it a Co creative piece- not a lecture. Help the other person to a plan of action. Contextualise your comments in the overall journey of the person you are talking with.

Listen without prejudice and be present with your own emotions. So, if the other person feels misunderstood or rejected, try to regulate your emotions while interacting with them. It means remaining detached from influencing the discussion. Being impartial to how the conversation flows helps to avoid being drawn into a heated debate. Also, clarifying what the person has said after a pause is an excellent way to mirror back, so you have understood what they have expressed.

There are 3 steps to good communication. Step 1 is active listening. This includes not only clarifying what you heard the other person say but also validating what they say. You don’t have to agree with their point of view but understand that their point is valid to them. Therefore you can say something like, “I can see why you feel that way.” This validation if sincere helps disarm the person so they in turn can be more open. Step 2 don’t use the word BUT, instead use the word AND as you transition into your point of view. Step 3 ask the other person for a solution based on your differing views. If they offer one you like, great! If not you counter offer. In the end you may say I need it this way, but the other still feels heard.

As a licensed psychotherapist I agree with this statement. Each individual is unique and their experiences, knowledge and worldview maybe different. Therefore creating a healthy, unbiased and and nonjudgmental environment help individuals to be themselves and contribute. Furthermore it impacts on their self esteem and self confidence. When I interact with people I make sure to validate their emotions, experience and embrace them as they are and I witness it’s impact on individuals and outcomes.

Recognize that our feelings about a subject are shaped by our thoughts and past experiences. Therefore, someone may have a much stronger emotional reaction to something than you yourself might. Kindly acknowledge whatever emotions you are picking up from the other person and never use their emotions against them. Good leaders recognize what they are feeling while simultaneously being tuned into what their subordinates appear to be feeling. They then use this information to help create a win-win solution.

Validation is an essential aspect of actively listening since many people misunderstand the other person. They create a biased narrative of the communication by bringing their views and judgments to the conversation. By validating and clarifying any parts of the conversation, we develop a clearer understanding of what is being communicated. It consists of Habit 5 of Stephen Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood."

My favorite example of servant leadership is a picture of a wolf pack. The oldest slowest wolfs are in the front and the rest of the pack is in the middle. The leader brings up the rear of the pack. The servant leader needs to be aware not only of the strengths and weaknesses of each team member but also, what motivates them and this can only be learned by asking. When your team members know you have their backs and you want them to succeed they will move mountains for you.

Something I found helpful is repeating one of the speaker's points from your perspective and asking if you understood it correctly. The speaker can then affirm, or correct it, thus leaving out any possible misunderstandings during the conversation.

Being mindful allows for you to be fully present with whatever is arising in the moment. To authentically show up to and genuinely be with whatever the other person is sharing. Sometimes a facial expression is validating, while other times the lack of it is more supportive. Being mindful of what’s arising inside the conversation and inside you can provide with the necessary inputs to choose a supportive, compassionate, and fitting response. You know, like a human should. ??

In my perspective & experience, gratitude is interwoven with validation. When someone takes time to express themselves to us we can thank them by being present, actively listening, asking questions for clarification, and simply expressing gratitude for their share. And it’s important to note that this applies whether or not we agree with what they’ve said. Gratitude means we are RECEIVING and acknowledging their openness in sharing. This opens the door to deeper connection and communication while also modeling the mindfulness and openness we would ideally like in return.

This is a really important point and super practical as mindfulness is something we can start further work on right now if we are willing. Through mindfulness we can improve our awareness of self and more quickly sift through what we are listening out for as well as our response to what is said & unsaid. As it is a skill, even the most expert mindfulness practitioners would find it helpful to keep practising, and find joy as their skill evolves.

Try practicing gratitude for each of your team members on a weekly basis. This calls for not only saying to yourself you are grateful for so and so team member but more importantly, why. “Because they bring this to the team.” The why is what gets imprinted on your heart and mind and it increases your optimism. Most team members will be easy to do this with but others will be tough. Remember, even the most challenging team members bring something even if it is simply the opportunity for you to grow as a leader. Ultimately, you can be clear and direct while remaining compassionate.

Providing feedback and validation when actively listening is a practice rooted in mindfulness, requiring your full presence and attention to the speaker. It involves eliminating distractions and shedding any preconceived judgments, allowing the speaker to feel heard and respected. You can ask clarifying questions to gain a deeper perspective and reflect the speaker's emotions to acknowledge and validate their feelings. Self-awareness is also crucial as it enables you to manage emotional reactions that might hinder your ability to provide meaningful feedback and validation, ultimately fostering better communication and stronger relationships

For me, active listening means that you first of all truly care about what the other person has to say and is saying. You are 100% devoted to him/her and stay in the present moment. You listen to his/her story as it is the first time you discover the person. This state of being helps you to focus on what is and not on what should be. Accordingly your mindset is clear, the energy is clear and you can address the subjects as they come for what they are and offer constructive feedback.

Active listening involves providing feedback and validation by paraphrasing the speaker's words, reflecting on their emotions, and asking clarifying questions to show you comprehend their perspective, fostering a deeper connection and ensuring their thoughts and feelings are acknowledged and understood.