Listening is a tough skill to learn. It requires us to be more present, attentive, engaged, open and flexible. All for the benefit of building relationships with other people. This is what is known as active listening.
Active Listening
Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that builds a mutual understanding. It requires you to focus on the other person with all your senses. When someone else is talking, take the time to really hear them, rather than focus on what you want to say next in response. Listening first to understand another person’s point of view before jumping in, will help you build a relationship with them. If you don’t agree with what they are saying, you can still build on what they have said in your response to show that you respect them and have heard them out. Active listening is a skill that can only be learned and refined through social interaction. Ultimately, it will improve all your relationships.
Engagement
Listening shows engagement. It shows that you care. That you are open to new ideas, constructive criticism, and to building relationships. It can help build your empathy skills. As a leader, empathy and listening go hand in hand. You can show this level of engagement by giving the person who is speaking your undivided attention; listen to their words and reflect on them. Sometimes you don’t even need to provide your opinion; just listening can be enough. Showing this level of engagement not only helps you grow as a leader but builds trust as well.
Open minds
As a leader, being open to criticism, new ideas and approaches demonstrate that you are flexible. Flexibility is an important skill to have as a leader, and one of the best ways to learn flexibility is through listening with an open mind. Successful leaders are flexible, allowing change when it is necessary. They have an open mind, they like hearing others ideas and criticisms. Most of all, they love discussion. Next time you meet with your team, start a discussion about the project and with an open mind listen to what everyone has to say.Here are some extra resources to help improve your listening skills.
10 Steps to Effectively Improve your listening skills
Listening is the most important skill a leader can have. It is the basis of so many other skills and traits that make up a leader. So be sure to make improving your listening skills a priority.
Written by Vimbai Chikoore