How can you improve your active listening skills in diverse groups with emotional intelligence?

What I found helpful is change the mental mode : from a passive to an active activity. It needs to be treated as a skill, the progress of which needs to be scaled and tracked. Creating a set of protocols: eye contact, no mobile, taking notes, paraphrasing, asking questions to understand and being non judgemental .

One key aspect of Emotional Intelligence is individual recognition of what state they are in and how that impacts their perceptions, reactions and the impact on others. This doesn't mean that everyone needs to be an expert, however there is real value in basic recognition. With that, emotional awareness with family, friends and colleagues becomes much more collaborative. If you/they recognise situations that create any negative, critical or anxiety feelings, then you can prepare yourself. Remember how important it is that our brain strives for certainty, so preparing for situations gives your brain a sense of clarity about what might happen and contingency options. Find someone you trust if you need another viewpoint and keep growing!

Just read something cool about boosting your active listening, especially in diverse groups. It's all about getting in tune with your emotions. Like, if you're feeling miffed or defensive, you're probably not going to be all ears to what others have to say, right? But if you're in a headspace of curiosity or respect, you're way more likely to listen and absorb. It's key to check in with your feelings before diving into a convo. This way, you won't just react on the fly but actually hear people out :)

First things first, one must display empathy and recognize emotions. By showing compassion rather than just feeling it, we can connect. This requires a tremendous quality of being genuinely humble. People can find out quickly whether I am enacting humility or displaying it genuinely

Listening to know and understand instead of listening to reply. It's ok to take time to reply if you have taken keen interest in understanding the point or the issue.

For me empathy, means really getting where the other person is coming from. When someone's talking, little things like nodding, making eye contact, or repeating back what they said in your own words can show you're truly tuned in. And don't be shy to ask questions like 'How did that feel?' or say 'You seem really into this!' It opens up the convo and makes the other person feel heard. I hope this help :)

Active listening isn't just a skill; it's an act of kindness. Every time we truly listen—making eye contact, nodding, really being present—we're saying, "Your story matters." It's heartwarming when someone gets us, isn't it? When they lean in and ask, "How did that make you feel?" it can feel like they're right there in the moment with us. I've found that listening, really listening, is one of the most profound ways to connect and understand each other. I think it’s these moments of connection that make all the difference.

There are many interpretations of Empathy and how it is distinctly different from Sympathy. Oxford Dictionary states "Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another." You will note that there is no 'Agree or disagree" involved. Empathy is the pure sense of understanding and accepting. This seems like a scary moment where you give up control in order to deeply understand what another person is experiencing. What I find amazing is that children are experts at empathy until they learn, by observation, that other people will try to project their feelings on others. Parents will say things like "It's not that bad," or "I know what you are going through." That tends to indicate agreement/disagreement, not empathy.

Practicing empathy and sensitivity towards others' perspectives fosters a more inclusive environment. Also, it's crucial to be aware of cultural nuances and non-verbal cues, as they may convey meanings that words alone cannot.

Usage of short verbal affirmations such as “I understand.” “I see.” “Yes, that makes sense.” “I agree.” makes the speaker more comfortable. Of course, nonverbals like nod, smile, and eye contact also will enhance active listening.

Employ empathy to "walk in someone else's shoes". Then use curiosity to learn about a person. Empathy and curiosity help to reach an understanding of a person or a team (i.e. how a marketing person can better understand the technical team). The last part is acceptance of these differences. There are many perspectives and our experiences shape our perspectives. Offer space and grace when working with those who are different. This can include an extrovert speaking to an introvert, or a morning person losing steam at 4 p.m. just when the evening person gets motivated. There are 8 billion people and each of us has something valuable to offer.

Disrespect for diversity can be recognized very easily. I need to train my mind to accept 'anyone' without any attachment of 'tags'. Here, respect for human beings, irrespective of background, culture, identity, etc becomes more important. This can be cultivated by widening our minds to listen first, seek clarification to understand, and then raise questions based on facts and logic. What one says/says and its context will supersede the individuality, at least while listening.

Respecting diversity is where life is experienced at it's fullest. It may appear easy to be with, and work with like minded people, however the beauty of respecting diversity can bring out the best in everyone. If we all saw the world the same way, then we would have massive blindspots and innovation would be limited. Learn to stretch and grow your views by keeping an open mind, and heart to those who see, and experience the world differently.

Having a difference of opinion, a different point of view is often interpreted as conflict, yet there are so many times that people will comment "Oh, that's what you mean! I agree." A simple change in language, or approach and the air is cleared and people work together. So perhaps it's the way we describe a situation? Consider the phrase "Yes, AND" as a way to keep a conversation moving forward rather than deadlocked into right or wrong. As soon as defenses go up, the argument continues and battle lines are drawn. We listen to win, or at least beat the other person!! Develop strategies to find/create common ground, look for a facilitator/translator or at least pause so that you have time to think things through. Go for Win-Win.

I've found that it is imperative to come from places of curiosity, instead of judgement, when trying to manage conflict. Oftentimes, people simply want to be heard, seen and/or understood in a situation or a matter. So, when people around them ask questions, instead of making judgements about what's being done or said, it can facilitate a dialogue based in seeking to understand and empathy. This is an easy way to build opportunities for empathy, connection and reduce tension during times of conflict.

Normally conflicts between two ideas are underplayed compared to conflicts between two personalities. I must consciously practice placing the two conflicting ideas on 'the table' and learn to look at them without 'personalities camouflaging them.

If one seeks feedback, it is generally understood as 'highlighting' achievements. But the feedback, as part of development, means what is that I need to learn to be more effective. If I don't see my flaws and expect to hear only the positives, then I am not ready. The feedback provider also must have the goal of linking it to the development plan. A good contributor normally might be already recognized in terms of monetary or upward broadband movement . So the feedback in terms of what I must stop doing, start doing, and continue to do will be helpful. I must be open to receiving that for my benefit. Finally, two or three new competencies must be mutually agreed and that must get into the development plan and training calendar.

By embracing the role of a non-judgmental observer, you create an atmosphere of trust, respect, and appreciation for diversity. This approach can lead to more meaningful and productive conversations, fostering mutual understanding and promoting a culture of inclusivity and acceptance. A helpful exercise is to meet the moments where you feel your judgement creeping up with an expression of, "Isn't that interesting". It allows you to replace immediate judgment with curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding others.

If you are turning to an AI generated article to learn about listening, you are lost. Something to consider. As you read this new generation of AI assisted articles and posts, recognize that the choice of topic and perspective is not random. What don’t you see in these magical content calories?