The Power of Ten - 10 ways to become a better active listener
Andrew Hulbert MSc FIWFM
Non Exec | Founder | Speaker | Private Equity | Author | ESG Leader | 30? Awards Winner | AI Engineer |
Here are ten tips to help you improve your active listening skills and enhance your career at work:
1. Be fully present: Give your undivided attention to the person speaking. Avoid distractions, such as checking your phone or thinking about other tasks. Show that you value and respect their words by being mentally and physically present.
2. Maintain eye contact: Establish and maintain eye contact with the speaker. This demonstrates your engagement and interest in what they are saying. It also helps you pick up on nonverbal cues and better understand their message.
3. Avoid interrupting: Allow the speaker to express their thoughts fully without interrupting. Practice patience and refrain from jumping in with your own ideas or opinions. Create a space for them to share their perspective uninterrupted.
4. Practice active body language: Use positive body language to show your attentiveness. Nodding occasionally, leaning slightly forward, and maintaining an open posture can convey your interest and encourage the speaker to continue sharing.
5. Clarify and paraphrase: After the speaker has finished a thought or statement, paraphrase or summarize what they said to ensure your understanding. This not only clarifies any potential misunderstandings but also shows the speaker that you are actively listening and invested in the conversation.
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6. Ask probing questions: Ask thoughtful and relevant questions to delve deeper into the speaker's thoughts and perspectives. This demonstrates your curiosity and encourages the speaker to provide more information. It also shows that you are genuinely interested in their ideas.
7. Practice empathy: Put yourself in the speaker's shoes and try to understand their feelings and experiences. Show empathy by acknowledging their emotions and validating their viewpoint. This fosters a sense of connection and trust.
8. Minimize assumptions and biases: Be aware of your own biases and assumptions that may hinder your ability to listen objectively. Approach conversations with an open mind and suspend judgment. Be willing to consider alternative viewpoints and challenge your own preconceived notions.
9. Manage distractions and multitasking: Eliminate or minimize distractions during conversations. Put away electronic devices, close unnecessary tabs or applications on your computer, and focus solely on the speaker. Avoid multitasking, as it can lead to divided attention and hinder active listening.
10. Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues or supervisors on your active listening skills. They can provide insights into areas where you can improve and offer suggestions for enhancing your listening abilities. Actively incorporating feedback into your practice will help you grow as an active listener.
By consistently practicing active listening, you can improve your communication skills, build stronger relationships, and demonstrate your commitment to understanding others. These qualities can positively impact your career growth and contribute to a more collaborative work environment.