Our communication skills allow us to create, communicate and evolve. As a leader, boss, entrepreneur, or manager, you need to be able to share and receive a message.
The ocean does not flood the coastline. Instead, it gives and takes. There is a push and pull to his presence and immense power, almost hidden from view.
What is active listening?
What do you expect them to do when you visit your doctor? To listen. But that's not enough, is it? They can't just stand in the room. Each patient expects their healthcare provider to listen to their concerns and problems and absorb the information in a helpful way.
Unfortunately, a major cause of medical errors and unintentional harm is distracted listening. Physicians with more active listening skills can diagnose and treat patients more effectively because they have a more holistic view of the patient.
How have you developed your skills as a leader in your field? They were not developed in a vacuum. Instead, you watched, listened, and learned how others were performing and used this knowledge to gain your current position.
If you want to continue this growth and performance, active listening will be your most effective tool for better industry knowledge.
Active listening is taught to teachers, liaison officers, aides, interpreters, police officers, social workers, and religious leaders. By definition, it requires you to pay full attention to the purpose and meaning of the speaker's intentional communication.
However, it is more than just hearing the words. Active listening involves both listening and understanding why the speaker is communicating these ideas or thoughts. "Why" is much more critical than actual words.
How do you improve your active listening skills?
The first thing you need to learn when practicing active listening is that hearing is not listening. You may hear birds, but that doesn't mean you understand them. Take the speaker's words as if you were taking a deep breath. Breathe them into your mind and break them into pieces.
Learn to remain silent. Silence is a tool. Closing your mouth allows them to open their mouths. Let the speaker finish their thoughts before answering. His words may answer your question or raise more critical issues.
Use body language to show that you are participating in the conversation. This often involves standing or sitting to indicate that the speaker is the center of attention. It may include nodding your head or pointing with your hands when responding.
Always answer. Do not take back what they just gave you. Instead, summarize. Ask if you have expressed their views correctly. Ask an in-depth question for clarity. Create an extension to their logic. However, do not judge. Downplaying them makes them feel like they're wasting their time and could negatively impact future interactions.
If possible, share their thoughts and comments with others. Communicating their ideas to others reinforces your first act of listening. Additionally, they will feel empowered by your act of showing respect. Just make sure you give them credit.
