Welcome to Day 12 of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge (2022) I will be discussing topics of interest to those who identify as women this year. The Book Connection is lucky number 78 in a list of more than 140 bloggers who are participating in 2022. I encourage you to check out the list and visit other blogs with topics of interest.
LISTENING
If there is one thing I consciously work on as a leader, it is active listening. It is something I've always struggled with, which doesn't surprise me, since my mind runs at a frenetic pace. The Center for Creative Leadership states, "Active listening requires you to listen attentively to a speaker, understand what they’re saying, respond and reflect on what’s being said, and retain the information for later."
Sometimes, I'm so eager to get my ideas out, I don't fully listen to what the other person is saying. Though I tend to be a mostly digital person these days, to be a better listener, I bring a pad with me to meetings and write down bullet points. That allows me to repeat back what I believe the person said to make sure I understand.
I'm working on eliminating my interruptions as well. My mind has random thoughts racing through it all the time. I know if I don't say what I think, it will be lost. That, however, can make the person who is speaking feel frustrated.
I also find that if I focus on asking more questions or pose a thoughtful question to clarify the person's idea, it allows me to step back and really think about what they are saying.
The great thing about honing these skills for the workplace, is that active listening also improves my relationships at home. Family members want to feel they are heard and understood as well.
What are some tips you have to improve active listening?
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5 comments:
It really is a skill.
Writing down what people are saying helps me keep focused. Zoom calls that is especially helpful.
Love or Eros
It truly is, and I am not great at it.
Thanks for visiting today.
I used to be the best listener, but like you I am often eager to share my ideas. I am working on that.
Hope you check out my A-Z challenge posts in which I am trying to have every sentence of the story (one chapter a day) start with the letter of the day https://momandideas.com/
I'm listening, Cheryl :)
I tend to interrupt, because there is often no space in the conversation for a quiet person to use. I'm not sure how to avoid this.
I found your blog from the More than Writers' blog.
Here's my Good Friday post https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2022/04/15/mary-the-magi-and-myrrh-atozchallenge/
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