Active Listening

  • Builds stronger relationships: Active listening helps people feel heard and understood, which can lead to stronger connections and relationships.
  • Improves problem-solving: When people feel that they are being actively listened to, they are more likely to open up and share their thoughts and concerns. This can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Enhances empathy: Active listening requires tuning into not just what someone is saying, but also their body language and tone of voice. This helps people develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for others.
  • Reduces misunderstandings: Active listening helps prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication by ensuring that both parties are on the same page.
  • Increases productivity: By listening actively, people can better understand their colleagues’ needs and concerns, leading to a more efficient and effective work environment.
  • Fosters personal growth: Active listening helps people develop self-awareness and empathy, which are important for personal growth and development.

10 practical tips:

  1. Face the speaker and have eye contact
  2. “Listen” to non-verbal cues too
  3. Don’t interrupt
  4. Listen without judging, or jumping to conclusions
  5. Don’t start planning what to say next
  6. Show that you’re listening
  7. Don’t impose your opinions or solutions
  8. Stay focused
  9. Ask questions
  10. Paraphrase and summarise

For more, read the article 10 very practical tips for active listening

7 steps for managers

  1. Understand the purpose of communication
  2. Pay attention and really listen
  3. Be open to learning
  4. Be patient and avoid interrupting
  5. Don’t take ownership of the conversation
  6. Offer genuine feedback after the active listening
  7. Thank the person for their communication after actively listening to it

For more, read the article 7 steps to mastering Active Listening for managers

Active Listening Masterclass by Udemy
Top rating: 4.5 our of 5 stars
48,000 students have taken this course so far.
Content: 14 lectures in 31 min on-demand videos, 8 downloadable resources.
They also offer several more in-depth courses about Active Listening and Deep Listening.
(and no, we don’t get a commission if you sign up for this course ;-))