Active Listening – Creating a space where others feel heard and seen – Brief and just an opinion

What is Active Listening:

Simply put it is the art of listening with the intent to understand what is being communicated and not focusing on how you might respond. It is being truly present for another and focusing your full attention on them.

What can it achieve:

Consider the pace at which we can access, process and use information in the world and what that makes possible. It can sometimes be stressful, overwhelming and hard to concentrate. Imagine being that person, wouldn’t you like to be supported. Well this is where Active Listening can really support someone, being there for them, truly listening and allowing them to express their issues, concerns and fears can truly create a space to explore options and feel seen. There is huge power in this and learning this skill can lead to very positive communication and understanding, build trust and create lasting relationship.

Consider these tips to improve your Active Listening Skills:

• Attention – be fully present, remove distractions. Yes that means the phone too.
• Seek Clarity – ask follow up open questions which require more than Yes or No answers.
• Summarise – what you heard to show understanding, don’t parrot, demonstrate understanding.
• Don’t interrupt – Stay curious, allow them to get it out, create a save space.
• Silence – is a good think, allow space to think to process.
• Body Language – what is not being said, what are other cues indicating, seek clarity, probe and listen.
• Support – create a space where the other feels heard, seen – think of a time you receive that gift.

When you engage with Active Listening, trust grows, communication improves, and it promotes a safe environment for all to contribute as teams feel seen, valued and more willing to share. Decision making improves. Above all else they will feel safe, seen and heard – What a gift.

Call to action:

Take the time, reflect what is it that you would like to focus on and strive to be better in Active Listening. Do you need support, if so, reach out book a free discovery and let’s chat. Your choice matters and remember there are multiple pathways to achieving the change you want to bring about – stay focused, stay committed to you and remember there is always support available.