The desire to be heard is universal. Often, we go about our professional lives making assumptions about what others require from us without truly comprehending their desires and needs. It encourages the presentation of diverse perspectives, minimises errors and misunderstandings, and can boost employee motivation.

 

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A 2021 study issued in the Frontier in Psychology revealed that 63 per cent of employees feel their input is overlooked to some extent. The typical person retains only around 25 per cent of what they hear. However, by actively engaging in listening, retention rates can be significantly improved, sometimes reaching as high as 50 per cent or even more. This underscores the remarkable transformative potential of active listening in enhancing understanding and information retention.

 

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The Importance of Listening

Listening serves as the foundation of communication, yet it's a skill that many of us often overlook. We receive education on how to speak, read, and write, but rarely are we instructed on the art of effective listening. Why does this skill matter, you may wonder? The answer is straightforward: without effective listening, the very essence of communication is forfeited.

 

The art of listening, which extends beyond merely hearing words to deciphering their significance and the emotions underlying them, is a skill that is often underestimated in a society that places greater emphasis on speaking.

 

About Active Listening

Active listening serves as the gateway to fostering greater inclusivity, loyalty, profitability, innovation, and much more. It marks the distinction between presuming we comprehend people's desires and genuinely understanding them. Empower your team by equipping them with the indispensable interpersonal skills necessary to ensure that each interaction results in others feeling recognised, heard, and valued.

 

Active listening is a comprehensive process that involves several key elements:

1. Listening Attentively

Giving your full attention to the speaker, which means being present and free from distractions.

 

2. Understanding

Not just hearing the words but comprehending the meaning and context of what the speaker is conveying.

 

3. Responding

Reacting appropriately to what's being said, whether through verbal responses, nods, or other non-verbal cues to show you are engaged.

 

4. Reflecting

Taking a moment to contemplate and consider the information or emotions shared by the speaker.

 

5. Retaining Information

Remembering and storing the information conveyed by the speaker for future reference or action.

 

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Skills And Techniques to Master The Art of Active Listening

Active listening, when practised effectively, leads to more meaningful and productive interactions, whether in personal or professional settings. It promotes better understanding and connection between individuals.

 

Hence, let's work on sharpening those listening skills to foster more inclusive and effective workplaces. In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, yet paradoxically marked by unprecedented divisions, the capacity to genuinely listen and comprehend each other has never been more crucial. By incorporating some tips into your active listening practice, you can significantly improve your ability to connect with others, understand their perspectives, and foster more productive and meaningful conversations.

 

1. Pay attention to the speaker

Effective listening extends beyond words. Non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures, provide valuable information about the speaker's emotions and intentions. Maintain eye contact with the speaker and put aside distracting thoughts to give them your full attention. Paying attention to these cues helps you gain a deeper understanding of the message being conveyed. 

 

2. Show gestures that you are interested

Your facial expressions convey a wealth of information about your emotional engagement in the conversation. It's a simple yet powerful way to encourage the speaker to continue sharing. Your posture communicates your level of interest and attentiveness. To show that you're actively engaged, maintain an open posture, keep your arms uncrossed and lean slightly forward. Small verbal comments, such as "yes," "I see," "uh huh," or "go on," serve as verbal cues that you're actively listening and interested in what the speaker is saying.

 

3.  Ask questions and provide feedback

By providing feedback through paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and summarising, you demonstrate your commitment to understanding the speaker's perspective accurately. Paraphrasing helps to avoid misinterpretation and shows the speaker that you are actively engaged. Asking clarifying questions is an effective way to ensure that you have a clear understanding of specific aspects of the speaker's message. This can be particularly helpful when dealing with complex or ambiguous topics.

 

4. Defer judgement

Deferring judgement is an essential aspect of active listening that promotes a more productive and respectful conversation. Interrupting the speaker while they are sharing their thoughts or feelings can be counterproductive. It disrupts the flow of their message and may cause frustration. Instead, make a conscious effort to listen attentively and allow the speaker to complete their point before asking questions or providing feedback. To practise active listening, resist the urge to interrupt with counterarguments and prioritise comprehending the speaker's viewpoint first.

 

5. Response appropriately

Respond to the speaker in a manner that reflects the respect and consideration you would expect in return. Acknowledge their perspective and share your own viewpoint in a respectful and considerate manner. Avoid being defensive or dismissive of their ideas. If you have a differing opinion or perspective, express it respectfully without attacking or belittling the speaker.

 

The ultimate goal of active listening is to foster understanding, respect, and effective communication. Your response should contribute to these objectives rather than detract from them. By responding appropriately, you can create a more collaborative and harmonious interaction that encourages continued open dialogue.

 

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