We are often asked to do training on communication. When we suggest that we should emphasize listening, sometimes we are met with resistance. Though being a good listener is touted as a personal strength, it is often overlooked as a professional asset and thus infrequently built upon as a skill. In fact, listening is a critical skill both personally and professionally. If you improve your listening skills, you will improve your communication skills!
Good listening improves the productivity of meetings, builds professional relationships, and can eliminate and/or settle potential disputes in your professional life. Without good listening skills, we get caught in misunderstandings and needless reiteration.
It is important to differentiate between hearing and listening. When we just hear, we are aware of the sounds but our minds wander and we miss out on the content! Valuing and improving active listening is key. We need to know how to sharpen listening skills—just like we would reading or writing skills.
A first key to building your listening skills is simply appreciating listening, not just as a courtesy you give others but also for its being an active skill. Motivate your listening with curiosity, not obligation. Ask questions to further your investment in the conversation and listen to the answers.
Being a good listener doesn’t mean you don’t contribute to the conversation. In fact, it adds value to your contributions. Repeat back what you hear to keep engaged. Equally important is the nonverbal engagement you add. Eye contact and subtle gestures go a long way in asserting your interest in the conversation.
Finally, by actively listening to the topic at hand without jumping to formulate your response or insert your opinions, you get a clearer view of what your conversation partner is trying to express, and you can both gain the most learning and understanding as you interact!
(Call us for Communications Training.)