It’s easy to underestimate the importance of active listening skills. It may not seem like a strong tool to you. Entrepreneurs and other business executives, on the other hand, are embracing the skill and enjoying the benefits.
You’ll have better working connections, your group’s productivity will go up, and your personal mood will get a lift if you practice active listening. Despite the fact that disagreement is inherent in communication, you may use ‘active listening’ to transform misconceptions into good action.
When it comes to obtaining the most from a discussion, “active listening” is essential. It offers several advantages for oneself and others. Most individuals feel they have above-average listening abilities, yet the typical person only listens to 25 percent of the time. When it comes to listening, you may have a lot of room for improvement.
- Through listening, we have absorbed 85 percent of our knowledge.
- Professionals with formal training in listening skills and strategies make up less than 2% of the total workforce.
- 45 percent of a normal working day is dedicated to listening; 30 percent is dedicated to speaking; 16 percent is devoted to reading, and 9 percent is dedicated to writing.
- Humans can only understand around a quarter of what they hear.
What can you do as a leader to listen actively? Let’s find out together!
Get Yourself Involved if You Want to Perform Active Listening
Make a genuine effort to understand and address the concerns of your staff. Push them to expand and broaden their viewpoints by asking questions and encouraging them to express their thoughts. This shows that you care about them and are trying to get to know them better when you involve yourself fully, hold yourself responsible and simply follow your staff.
Don’t Make Snap Judgments About Other People
Leaders who pass judgment on others aren’t paying attention. Leaders have a tendency to be harsh in their judgment of people who have a different approach or style. It’s time to stop judging and start learning from others!
The judgment shows a lack of maturity and a reluctance to accept others’ differences when made by a leader. Even if they have a lengthy history of success at one business, these executives generally have difficulty transitioning to a new one.
What are the main qualities of a true leader?
Leaders must not get arrogant. Modern leaders must be open to new ideas and concepts. In order for them to be successful, they need to be better active listeners who are always on the lookout for ways to improve.
Active Listening Is An Important Skill to Master
These easy actions can help you improve your communication skills by engaging in active listening.
Make eye contact with the speaker and give your complete attention to what they have to say. Keep your mind off what you’re going to say next.
Show that you’re paying attention using your body language. The person speaking is likely interpreting your nonverbal cues, and you should do the same. Maintain an open and welcoming stance at all times. Say “yes” and use facial gestures when appropriate.
Reflect on the knowledge you’ve just learned to help you better grasp what the person speaking is saying. Clarify any issues you’re unclear on by paraphrasing what you’ve heard and asking follow-up questions. Keep in mind that everyone in the room has a question, so don’t be afraid to ask one yourself.
Keep Your Questions To a Minimum Until The Speaker Has Concluded Each Topic
Make an effort, but don’t expect to have flawless notes. Make a list of essential terms or phrases and highlight any areas that are unclear to you. After the speaker has finished, go through your notes one more time and add any additional information you recall.
Respond in a timely manner. Be forthright, but don’t criticize the speaker in the process.
Active listening is a talent that can be learned and put to good use in the workplace in order to foster better working relationships. Learn to listen actively by paying attention to what is being said and reacting accordingly.