When you are in conversation with someone, are you usually eager to respond, or do you wait and listen to understand?
If you want to be a good communicator, it is important that you understand the value of active listening. Active listening allows for:
- more trust
- faster conflict resolution
- improved productivity
The act of active listening doesn't only involve knowing what a person has said, but also observing non-verbal cues like body language and behavior.
Things to avoid
There are a few things you should avoid as an active listener: rehearsing, filtering, and problem solving.
Rehearsing
When you are focused on rehearsing, you are focused more on responding than listening. This can be counterproductive because you may not fully address what a person has said.
Filtering
When you are filtering, you are only listening for what you want to hear. This can be counterproductive because you can be limiting the potential for bonding in a conversation.
Problem Solving
When you are problem solving, you are trying to give advice or feedback. This is counterproductive because you may be emphasizing solutions over a person's feelings.
Try this in the next one on one you have and let me know what you think.
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