What Is Active Listening?
Active listening is not just hearing — it is a communication skill that requires critical thinking to decipher both verbal and nonverbal cues when somebody is talking. It is not enough to just listen to the words; active listening tasks you to think about the intent behind those words.
Here are a few ways to recognize when someone is actively listening:
- They pick up on verbal and nonverbal cues, such as inflection or facial expressions, to understand meaning
- They ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thought
- They paraphrase what was just said (eg. “so, if I’m hearing you correctly…”)
- They maintain eye contact
What’s the Purpose of Active Listening?
Passive listening is one-way communication that results in a lack of understanding, feedback and questions. Active listening is two-way communication that involves responses that show understanding and engagement. Sometimes you might notice passive listening when someone is not being addressed or the current topic of conversation is not relative to their work.
Active Listening Benefits for Managers
Active listening results in increased productivity and innovation when executed correctly. When people use active listening skills, they can process the information and ask questions that can lead to new perspectives, problem-solving, and complete understanding.
Active Listening Benefits for Employees
When employees truly feel heard, it can lead to an increase in job satisfaction. Employees want to be engaged in their work and enjoy their team, so having a good foundation with their coworkers and managers in addition to feeling heard makes this a natural progression.
What Does Active Listening Look Like?
When someone is actively listening, there are fundamental signs that they are engaged. They maintain eye contact, nod, sit still, and remain silent when needed to finish thoughts and to digest what was said.
Tips For Becoming a Better Active Listener
Recognize the fact that active listening isn’t something everyone is used to doing. Some good ways to make improvements include:
- Paraphrasing what the speaker has said when they’re done.
- Ask questions to clarify their meaning and sentiment, as well as to encourage them to discuss the topic on a deeper level.
- Avoid interrupting the speaker.
- Use body language and eye contact to demonstrate your attentiveness.
Practice Active Listening to Build Better Teams
Active listening is engagement within a conversation that showcases processing and support. It is one of the most important things you can do when talking one-on-one with people in the workplace. When done properly, active listening opens channels of communication, team building and innovation.
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This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is provided to assist you in recognizing potential unsafe work problems or conditions and not to establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation.
