How can you build stronger relationships by actively listening?

When I created my Raq The Boat show where I have conversations with kids of all ages, all around the world, the biggest lesson I learned was how important active listening is. I realized that active listening means creating a safe space of non-judgment when someone speaks. When these kids speak, they want to know that you are actually paying attention to their words, their opinions, etc… When someone believes that you are actively listening to them, it can give them a sense of validation, it allows them to feel seen and feel heard, which in turn can provide a sense of empowerment and confidence. It’s also letting go of your ego and wanting to immediately fix something, or give your advice/wisdom. Allowing the other person to have the stage.

I used to think I was always a good listener, until I learned how to actively listen. It is different. It requires our intention & attention. We also need to let go of our assumptions. That one can be difficult especially when someone shares a story that triggers a memory of when something similar happened to us. That is exactly when we must refocus on the speaker and not our past. I start by getting rid of distractions, the electronic ones AND the ones in my mind. The latter is much easier to say than do. If there are thoughts on my mind about my to do list, an upcoming meeting, what I am having for dinner, or the like, then I need to write those down and then forget about them while listening. The focus is on the speaker.

From my professional experience in Asian and European markets, I feel that actively listening in professional life involves showing genuine interest and empathy, refraining from interruptions, and using open-ended questions to encourage meaningful dialogue. Reflecting on what we have heard, respecting diverse perspectives, and following up on conversations to demonstrate commitment all build stronger relationships, staying fully present during interactions, providing constructive feedback, and remaining open to learning from others. This behavior further fosters trust, teamwork, and more robust professional connections.

I summarize listening to 'open, agile and intentional focus at understanding what the speaker says without a plan to respond within the immediate.

Active listening is indeed a crucial skill for effective communication. It’s not just about hearing words but understanding and empathizing with the speaker’s thoughts and feelings. By actively listening, you can build stronger connections and gain a deeper understanding of the conversation. When appropriate, can enhance the dialogue and show your engagement in the discussion. It’s important to strike a balance between listening and contributing your thoughts to ensure a meaningful exchange of ideas.

Great relationships don't exist without active listening. It is what leads to the deeper connection. When we actively listen, it demonstrates respect and caring. It also is the catalyst for deeper understanding. I like to describe it as the difference between talking with each other and not at each other. When one is speaking, the other is listening to understand and not planning their response. The listener will absorb what is being said, and wait to ask questions or summarize. There will be back and forth to confirm and clarify. The communication includes words, eye contact, nods, and other non-verbal cues. When we give our full attention to listening, it is like a gift. Thus, relationships are stronger because of it.

Active listening is more than just a soft skill; it's a strategic advantage. It enhances relationships, deepens understanding, and resolves conflicts, ultimately propelling businesses and individuals towards success. In my opinion cultivating this art of listening is not just a choice; it's a necessity in the dynamic world of contemporary commerce.

Actively listening is sometimes very challenging but is incredibly important when attempting to solve big problems. Only by listening and valuing (I didn’t say validating) the opinions of others can we deepen our understanding and theirs. The vast majority of individuals holding on to opinions liberal society would deem unjust or outdated are routed in fear. Creating truly safe spaces for people to come together to be heard and understood is how we can educate each other and grow together as a society. It’s not easy by any means (nor is it always possible, sometimes hate and ignorance are just that) but it is crucial to solving the major problems of human rights and climat change we face as a global society.

Em muitos aspectos, a escuta ativa é essencial e para o amadurecimento de rela??es. Em um mundo constantemente mergulhado em crises morais, onde ninguém escuta ninguém e a comunica??o é fomentada por ruídos, ouvir atentamente quem fala evita conflitos e em caminho contário; contribui para o fortalecimento de rela??es. A escuta ativa se faz importante pois ela n?o diz apenas sobre o ser em sua individualidade, mas na manuten??o da nossa capacidade humana e social de troca.

It is insightful for the listener and acts as an appreciation and respect for the speaker. It adds a view for the listener and value towards the speaker.

Everyone wants to feel listened to. It makes us feel like someone cares and that we belong. Learn to put down your device, disconnect from the internet, and have a real human conversation. Listen to whoever you’re talking to, don’t interrupt, don’t think about what you’re about to say, just listen. This also applies when you think you know the person very well. People change. They have new experiences, and what you heard from them last week may differ from what they want to tell you today.

It is UNBELIEVABLE what you can learn from people if you will simply give them the space to share. This can be a force multiplier in your effectiveness in work and relationships. You may be the FIRST person who has actively engaged with your conversation partner in a long time -possibly ever- and the need to feel seen, heard, and understood is one of our greatest needs. For example, say you're meeting with someone who is known to be difficult. You get curious and ask them about their challenges. You really, REALLY listen. You restate what they share in your own words, and you ask clarifying questions to be sure you get it. Now, they feel seen, they feel great about you, and every conversation you have going forward is more beneficial!

Active listening not only enriches your knowledge but also deepens relationships by showing respect and genuine interest in others' perspectives. This skill is fundamental, not just in communication, but in building a compassionate and connected society.

Active listening not only helps you understand more about the task and situation at hand, but about the person you are working with. Only by actively listening can you truly understand the way they think and approach situations. Relationship building is also much easier when you actively listen, when you refer back to conversations weeks later and show you remember key details it shows the individual that you care not only just about the work/ project but also about them as a person.

As a Filson Store Manager, mentoring an ASM to SM, active listening played a pivotal role. In candid talks, I wore dual hats - manager and mentor, fostering trust and empathy. We discussed concerns, dreams, and challenges, leading to innovative changes. Clarifying questions resolved issues and strengthened bonds. Celebrating successes motivated them. Long-term goals and conflict resolution discussions were powered by active listening. Adapting my mentorship to their uniqueness ensured empowerment. Today, they're a successful SM, a testament to active listening in our growth journey.

Distractions are incredibly disruptive to active listening. If you are meeting in person, closing your laptop, turning your smartwatch so it's facing away from you, and putting your phone face down on the table or in your pocket or purse sends a clear nonverbal signal that you are prepared to pay attention and value what the other person has to say. By not having these items in your line of sight, you eliminate a significant source of distraction, allowing you to devote your full attention to hearing what the other person has to say.

In my experience, the major challenge I have faced is the exposure to vicarious trauma. Having listened to the stories of some people in the field I couldn't help but have flash back to past incidence i have experienced first hand. In this light I realized it become difficult to control bias and emotions generally, it may become even more difficult to detach and continue life.

You are probably your biggest enemy in active listening. Active listening is a paradox between actively taking information, while being artfully passive. We are ceding space for the other side to share while being ready to give value. How do we ensure that we stay engaged? First, avoid the urge to 'craft' your response as you listen. The mantra is: "It's okay not to respond (for now)". Second, approach with curiosity. What caught your interest and how can you encourage elaboration? Question with sincerity. Third, use throwbacks or references to signal your attentiveness. You can reference a specific story, opinion, or emotion that they felt. Active listening is a focus game - so give the other side their deserved attention!

Active listening poses several challenges that can hinder active listening, including distractions, biases, and emotions. To effectively overcome distractions, create a focused environment, mute your phone, and clear your workspace. To tackle biases, practice open-mindedness and empathy, and be self-aware of your preconceptions. Emotions can be managed by staying calm and using techniques like deep breathing. Effective active listening requires being aware of and recognizing these challenges while consciously working to address them. This ultimately improves your communication and understanding of others.

Distractions - When there are environmental disruptions or internal preoccupations, it's hard to stay focused. Multitasking - Trying to listen while doing other tasks divides attention and impairs absorption. Fatigue - When tired, it's tough to expend the mental energy needed to actively listen. Assumptions - Jumping to conclusions or stereotyping can cause important details to be missed. Bias - Preconceived opinions, emotions or motives can distort what is heard or lead to selective listening. Judging - Critically evaluating the speaker can shift focus away from comprehending the message.

Several helpful techniques can enhance your effectiveness in active listening: - Avoid Interrupting: Interrupting others is counterproductive to active listening. - Practice Paraphrasing: When you make an effort to paraphrase and seek confirmation from the speaker after they've completed their point, you demonstrate your commitment to understanding. - Minimize Self-Reference: When you encounter something relatable, it's tempting to share your own experiences. However, limiting self-references provides speakers with the space to express themselves more freely.

Engaging in regular self-reflection can help improve active listening and open mindedness! As we become aware of personal situations which have left us with unresolved tension and take steps to resolve that conflict, we limit the likelihood of projecting our own feelings, biases and preferences onto the person we are speaking with. Self-reflection can take many shapes, but some common ways to engage include journaling, meditation, value analysis and goal setting.

The biggest impact on my ability to actively listen has been not to take written notes. Within my business, we actively use tech to record calls and transcribe them so we can conduct a post-call review. Active listening, without note-taking, amplifies focus, empathy, and connection, you are no longer concentrating on writing but can actively listen to what is being said. It nurtures meaningful conversations, fosters a deeper understanding of the speaker's message, and eliminates cognitive distractions.

The simplest way to improve your active listening skills is to genuinely BE curious. To GET curious, it's important to know what you're aiming to accomplish, and what knowledge you're missing that your conversation can provide for you. Once you have these things, consider what pitfalls have kept you from having the most productive conversations in the past -what distractions, inner dialogues, and pressures have caused you not to listen well in the past- and work to limit or eliminate them from the space where you'll be having the conversation. An easy one? Your cell phone! GET RID OF IT!

One of the things that I always practice while listening is looking at the speaker and making eye contact, as it helps me to keep the distractions at bay and focus.

Simply being aware of the need to actively listen can help you be better at it. After each conversation, reflect on what you did well to demonstrate active listening skills. Also consider what you can adjust in future conversations. You may be surprised to find out how many verbal and nonverbal cues you suddenly notice in conversations.

Here's a great script I use at the end of each meeting, "This is what I heard I should do...this is what I heard you will do. Is there anything else I am missing or feedback for me? Any feedback on what I can do less of or more of?" This ensures all parties are on the same page and shows you are open to feedback.

Start with self-awareness, e.g., “Am I in a good head-/heart-space to effectively hold space for someone else? Do I have the resources (e.g., time, emotional/spiritual energy, knowledge and wisdom) to be of optimal support to this person?” If not, see if the conversation can wait a few minutes, hours, even a day or two, until you can bring a higher level of energy to the exchange or refer the person to an appropriate resource. Another introspection: “Knowing the topic, am I actively listening out of compassion or out of curiosity, generosity of spirit or gossipiness?” Both intention and impact matter. Lastly, assure and maintain confidentiality — unless there is a concern about the person causing harm to themselves or others.

I remember joining this organization where Management believed that they must only give out instructions, and that shopfloor had no voice. They used the phrase "The dog must wag the tail". I got so much criticism because I listened to employees and did not stop there, but I took their ideas and implemented them (those feasible). I was criticized for letting "the tail wag the dog". The improvements and engagement in the factory were massive! It is a fact that when you listen with an intent to understand, you learn so much from the other person, and the other person develops trust around you which nurtures a collaborative relationship that facilitates continuous improvement. Be at personal or professional level.

Listen with your body. Studies repeatedly show that communication is as much as 93% body language. Here are a few practical body language tips: 1. maintain eye contact. 2. eliminate distractions (such as your phone or computer, etc.) 3. Nod occasionally or use verbal cues like "uh-hugh," or "I see" 4. Match some of the speakers facial expressions (smile when they smile, show concern when they do, etc.). Just be careful not to over do it. Don't make them feel like you are just copying their every move.

Active listening is the keystone of building robust and meaningful relationships. It goes beyond mere hearing, requiring a deliberate effort to comprehend, empathize, and respond to the speaker's words. The rewards of active listening are profound: it deepens understanding, fosters trust, facilitates conflict resolution, and enhances overall communication. Key elements include maintaining eye contact, offering non-verbal cues, minimizing interruptions, engaging in reflective listening, and asking open-ended questions. To be a skillful active listener, it is essential to set aside judgments and preconceptions, keep wandering thoughts at bay, and avoid making the conversation about oneself.

The most exciting 3 words you need to remember for active listening is ?USA?? U for understand S for Sincère A for Accept While listening to show empathy you need to use USA And show to the person you are listening that you fully capture what he is saying and be honest in any word you say to him and finally accept him as he /she is

Have you ever been asked the question, "Are you listening?" Or have you ever asked someone this question? Chances are the answer to both is a yes. And when you responded with a yes, you probably repeated back what you heard. Well, that's a great sign that your hearing is working perfectly fine, picking up all those sounds. But you know what? Listening goes way beyond just hearing. It's about making the speaker feel truly understood and creating a safe space for them to open up and share their thoughts and feelings. It's a beautiful way to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. So, keep those listening skills sharp to continue building those deep connections and stronger relationships.

Active listening offers several benefits, including fortifying and building better relationships. Improving understanding and comprehension, while reducing misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and conflicts. However, active listening comes with a unique set of challenges such as distractions and emotional barriers. In order to overcome these challenges and improve active listening, minimize distractions by maintaining an open mind, and managing and focusing on regulating your emotions. Building stronger relationships through active listening involves showing genuine interest, validating perspectives, and cultivating trust, empathy, and respect, ultimately deepening your connection with others.

The final thing to keep in mind about attending, reflecting and open-ended questions is that these tools are intended to help promote understanding by developing greater connection. Connection is the most important thing. So if the tools aren’t working in a situation or if you’re able to have connection without these tools, don’t force them. That said, don’t underestimate them either. They’re backed by research and experience, and they can help you to navigate the unpredictable, challenging waters of dialogue with others.