The Power of Listening in the Modern Workplace

As the modern workplace is becoming increasingly remote and diverse, effective communication is essential for building strong teams and achieving success. However, in communication, it is important to remember that it is not just about talking and sharing information. Listening is equally important, and it is a crucial factor in effective communication.

Listening and thinking are mutually exclusive, if we do not train our minds, it is normal for us to start thinking while the other person is speaking, in preparation to respond. Another important aspect of listening is for us to keep an open mind and vacate our position. We switch off listening when we take things personally. It is very important to have an open mindset without bringing in our biases and assumptions while listening.

According to a Salesforce study, employees who experience a sense of being heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to deliver their best work. This statistic underscores the importance of listening in today's working environments.

The power of listening is crucial for effective communication and collaboration as the working culture is going through a blend of remote and in-person interactions.

Active listening techniques, such as maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using verbal cues, play a pivotal role in improving listening skills. Individuals can foster better understanding and collaboration by demonstrating engagement and valuing others' input.

Here are some of the powerful benefits of listening in the workplace:

Empowerment and Performance Enhancement

Active listening promotes empowerment, leading to heightened job performance and productivity. Employees who feel heard are more likely to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence.

Team Development and Innovation

Listening is an important aspect of team development. Every voice matter, and by promoting an environment where all perspectives are heard and considered, organisations can utilise the collective intelligence of their teams. Ideas can emerge from anyone in the team, regardless of their position or title, leading to greater innovation and problem-solving.

Positive Impact on Emotions and Attitudes

Attentive and empathetic listening reduces anxiety and promotes self-awareness among employees. Better clarity about attitudes contributes to a more positive work environment thereby fostering engagement.

Contribution to Organisational Outcomes

Listening is closely associated with effective leadership and enhanced trust among team members. It facilitates knowledge sharing and overall well-being within the organisation, driving success on multiple fronts.

Remote Work Environments

Effective communication becomes unavoidable with more teams operating remotely. In remote settings, it is harder to understand body language and facial expressions, making active listening essential for understanding colleagues' perspectives fully. Leaders can create an inclusive environment where remote employees feel valued and heard by actively listening during virtual meetings.

Reduced Burnout and Enhanced Efficiency

High quality listening reduces burnout by promoting trust within teams. Listening improves productivity and efficiency in the workplace by avoiding misunderstandings and mistakes.

Making Employees Seen and Valued

Feeling seen and valued is crucial for employee morale and engagement. Leaders can acknowledge employees' contributions and demonstrate genuine interest in their well-being by listening attentively to them. This stimulates a sense of appreciation and loyalty among team members, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

Centena's approach to active listening

At Centena, we prioritise active listening through various initiatives, such as weekly meetings where every team member can voice their thoughts and concerns. Additionally, we organise activities aimed at fostering teamwork and collaboration, through our employee engagement program called Colours. Colours is a dedicated team within the organisation responsible for conducting programs and cultural activities that promote collaboration and team spirit. Through Colours, we create a supportive environment where employees feel empowered and connected.

Moreover, we maintain open communication channels to ensure that feedback flows freely across all levels of the organisation. We encourage a feedback culture that is constructive and considerate. Providing feedback with empathy helps employees grow without feeling demoralised. We reinforce the importance of empathy regularly through communication channels, training sessions, and other initiatives.

Listening extends beyond our internal teams, it is equally important to listen to customers. Understanding their needs, challenges, and feedback helps us tailor our products and services to better serve them. At Centena, we believe that active listening, both internally and externally, is fundamental to our success.

As Peter Nulty aptly stated, "Of all the skills of leadership, listening is the most valuable." Indeed, real communication involves listening as much as speaking. Leaders who prioritise listening not only gain insight into unseen problems and opportunities but also cultivate trust and loyalty among their teams.

At Centena, we recognise the impact of listening and aim to create an inclusive culture where every voice is heard and valued.

“Listen to people. It matters.”