![]() ![]() Tips for managers: Use active listening techniques like paying close attention to the speaker’s behavior and body language in order to gain a better understanding of their message. This keeps both listener and speaker actively engaged in the conversation. I encourage you to change your life and the lives of those you interact with by adopting these five habits to become a Great Listener.Active listening requires you to listen attentively to a speaker, understand what they’re saying, respond and reflect on what’s being said, and retain the information for later. It is what happens when we not only open our ears, but also our minds – and sometimes our hearts – to another person. ![]() The power of truly listening cannot be overstated. Very often, they will find it insulting or feel as though you are patronizing or condescending to them… Just listen to understand! It is essential to being a great listener. If advice is sought, it will be asked for. ![]() They just want someone to empathize and to see things from their perspective. In most cases, they are not looking for a critique of their situation or an analysis of their options. ![]() When listening to someone talk about a problem, refrain from suggesting solutions. Often though, it is easy for a conversation to turn to a different topic without the speaker being able to conclude their original point or thoughts, so if you get side-tracked, bring the conversation back to the original topic.īe the person who listens to understand. Asking intelligent questions, or rephrasing to restate a point the speaker has made, signals your interest and understanding. “So, what happened next?” “How so?” “In what way?” are some examples. Ask Questions ONLY to Ensure Understanding – and Don’t Interrupt!Īsk questions to continue the conversation and show interest, but don’t interrupt. If they are expressing sadness or joy, covey those feelings through your facial expressions.Ĥ. Let the other person know that you ‘get’ what they are saying. Focus your attention on hearing and understanding what is being said rather than planning how you will respond. Be attentive to the ‘whole’ of what they are saying, not just the words.įor many people opening up and sharing their opinions or experiences can be daunting as it leaves them feeling vulnerable to judgment or rejection. Be mindful of their body language which might telegraph enthusiasm, sadness, confusion or irritation. When listening, remember that words convey only a fraction of the message. “You must be thrilled!” “I am sorry that you are going through this.” “What an ordeal!” are some examples. Show them that you understand where they are coming from by reflecting their feelings. Lean forward, smile and nod occasionally to encourage the speaker to continue. Signal your attention and interest through body language. In our distracted society, having a conversation with someone whose eyes are glued to their small screens shows blatant disregard for the person speaking. This shows them that they have your undivided attention. When someone is speaking to you, have the courtesy to face them and make eye contact. Face the Speaker and Maintain Eye Contact To expand your horizon and strengthen your listening skills, incorporate these five ‘listening’ habits into your daily life:ġ. Covey, author of the book, ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand they listen with the intent to reply.” That is, if they are listening at all…. However, in today’s bustling, high-tech world, the art of listening is on the decline. It shows that we value what they have to say. Further, it allows us to demonstrate that we are paying attention to the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of another person. It ensures understanding, reduces errors and helps to resolve conflict. It builds relationships and solves problems. It is essential to all aspects of our lives. Listening is a skill that needs to be mastered to ensure effective communication. ![]()
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