Active listening isn’t difficult… right? We might think so, but poor active listening skills are one of the top reasons cited for misunderstanding and conflict between managers and their employees. In fact, it has been said that as many as 70% of communication problems between managers and employees are due to a lack of effective active listening skills by the manager.
What is active listening?
Simply put, “active listening” is the act of paying close attention during a conversation. This is when you look at the speaker and show that you are listening with your body (facial expressions, head nods) and you listen to understand by repeating back the information that was just said.
You can actively listen to a conversation by:
- Looking at the speaker and making eye contact. This shows that you are paying attention to what is being said.
- Nodding your head to show that you understand what is being communicated.
- Repeating back a summary of what you heard. This shows that you are listening to understand and not just to respond.
Practical tips to become a better active listener
A good listener will ask questions to clarify what is being said. This also shows that you are paying attention and trying to understand what is being communicated. You can use open-ended questions, such as: “What do you mean?” or “How did that happen?” These types of questions allow the other person to expand on their ideas and thoughts.
A good listener will also restate back what was said. This shows that you are listening and understanding what is being communicated. You can use phrases like: “What I hear you saying is…” or “So, if I understand correctly…”
A good listener will ask for clarification if they do not understand what is being said. You can use phrases such as: “Could you explain that in more detail?” or “Would you mind repeating what you just said?” A good listener does not interrupt others.
If you are a good listener, you will wait until the other person has finished speaking before responding. You also need to be careful not to assume what the other person is going to say next based on what they have already said. A good listener does not make assumptions about what another person means or thinks. The best way to avoid this is by asking questions that allow for clarification and restating back what was said so that everyone is on the same page.
Is active listening really all that important?
Active listening is a key communication skill to learn and develop because it’s the foundation for effective communication. The more you practice active listening, the better you will become at it. In addition to improving your relationships with others and helping you to be a better listener, it will also help you build trust and improve your confidence as well as your ability to communicate effectively.
Have you ever experienced someone who you knew wasn’t really listening to you? Maybe they were responding to texts or emails during your meeting. Perhaps they were constantly looking over your shoulder, waiting for someone more important to walk into the room. Everyone knows these kinds of experiences, and they leave employees feeling lesser.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. When we take the time to truly listen, we give others the gift of being heard. We make them feel valued and important in their own right. And as a manager or leader, you can use active listening techniques to help your staff feel more engaged and motivated at work.
When you’re the one who’s not listening, it can be hard to hear what your employees are saying. You might find yourself thinking about your next meeting or answering emails on your phone while they’re talking to you. It’s important to remember that everyone needs attention and respect. Even if an employee isn’t saying anything important, give them your full attention for a few minutes.
The only way to get the most out of your employees is to listen to them. If you’re not listening, you won’t know what they want from their jobs or how to make them happy. When you’re listening with intent, however, it’s easy for both parties to understand each other’s needs and expectations.
Next steps
Commit to practicing active listening in your next interaction with anyone — a friend, coworker, direct report, child, or spouse. Once you’ve mastered the skill, it will become second nature. You’ll be able to focus more on what someone is saying and less on your own thoughts or worries.
Are you a manager in need of good active listening techniques? If so, there are many steps you can use to develop those skills and make your employees more successful.
Our leadership coaches at Leadership Coaching Network can help you become a better active listener and thus a better manager. Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation with one of our coaches.