Practicing Active Listening: Improving Relationships and Understanding
Active listening is an intentional effort to hear not only the words another person says but also the complete message being communicated.
This requires full concentration, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said.
Unlike passive listening, where the listener might only hear the words without engagement, active listening involves interacting with the speaker’s message both verbally and non-verbally.
Active listening fosters deeper empathy and understanding, crucial components in any personal relationship. By truly listening, we signal to others that their thoughts and feelings matter, which can strengthen the bond between individuals.
In the workplace, active listening can lead to better collaboration, fewer misunderstandings, and increased productivity. It’s essential not only in everyday communications but also in negotiations and conflict resolution.
Active listening helps clarify details and corrects assumptions that can lead to conflicts. By ensuring you’ve fully understood another’s point of view, you can respond more appropriately and effectively.
To become an active listener, you can start with these simple techniques:
- Mirroring:
Reflect…
