How to develop the skill of active listening
Mark Hollingsworth
Are you looking to stand out? If you are looking for a way to stand out
as a leader, to be someone who is different from the masses around you, then have a look at how many people today live in a permanent state of distraction.
Constant busyness Those people who are constantly checking
their smart phones during a lunch meeting with you.
Those who fail to make eye contact with you at a reception because they are scanning the rest of the room looking to somebody who may be more important than you.
Those who interrupted a meeting to answer or check their telephone.
Constant Busyness It’s the modern
disease of constant busyness.
Where people seem to think they have to derive their status from how busy they are…
Or how busy they want to be perceived to be!
What is active listening? What could make you different? You should develop the skill of active
listening. Listening is in fact the neglected half of
communications. But what is it?
It is: Giving wholehearted
attention to the person speaking.
Demonstrating, or checking, that one has understood.
Not doing anything else!
Applications Active listening requires effort, but it is a
trainable skill and something you can train yourself in.
There are many applications for active listening in leadership.
Here are a few: During a conflict situation. When receiving instructional guidance
from your boss. When staff come to you with a problem. When you are receiving a report or
update. When conducting appraisal interviews.
What is the secret of active listening? It’s nowhere near as difficult as you may
think. In fact is just common sense and good
manners! You simply need to do it!
Train yourself There are many different elements to
active listening, which makes it ideal to train yourself in.
It is far easier to learn and practice an individual element, and then add another element, and another etc.
In no time at all you will have developed a comprehensive active listening suite of skills.
5 Actionable Steps Let’s have a look at 5 actionable steps
you can start to take immediately to develop the skill of active listening.
Step 1. Give people your full attention - face
them, and make eye contact.
Step 2. Be ready to paraphrase back to them
what they have said to you. This demonstrates understanding on
your part.
Step 3. If you do not understand what is being
said to you, at an appropriate moment ask “Could you explain that again?”
Step 4. Whilst listening give signs of
encouragement. You could nod, or say “Uh-huh”. If there is a pause you may say “So
what happened next?”
Step 5. Make sure the person has finished what
they need to say before you react or respond.
Practice makes perfect! Very few people
truly actively listen, so practice the skills and raise yourself to new heights and new-found leadership skills!
The basics of leadership
How To Lead With Ease Contact me on [email protected] Visit my leadership website for tips and
advice on the basic skills of leadership at:http://essentialleadershipmjh.blogspot.co.uk
Visit my online leadership course at:https://www.udemy.com/how-to-lead-with-ea
se/
