Reflection Shorts - "Win that Communication" - episode #8
Listening is hard because understanding something is hard.
“Do you want to share something at today’s meeting?”
“No. I’ll just sit and listen.”
Many of us view listening as a passive activity—a chance to check our phones, emails, or Instagram memes while someone else is putting their wholesome energy into conveying meaningful information. But how do you feel when others do that to you?
Effective communication isn’t just about sharing-out information; it’s also about truly absorbing-in what’s being shared with you.
A speaker feels valued when the listener responds with a simple "ah-ha," "hmm," or "okay, I see." No one wants to talk to a blank slate, wondering, "Are you still there?"
Why is this so important? To be a good leader, you must make others feel included. Giving them your full attention and being fully present in the conversation makes you memorable in their minds. They’ll feel comfortable sharing openly, and you’ll earn their respect because your active listening will help you understand the details better and make better decisions.
So, how can you become a better listener? Practice the following:
Take Notes: Jotting down key points not only helps you remember but also shows the speaker that you’re fully engaged. Listen to the full sentence, then capture the essence in a few words. Note-taking should enhance, not distract from, your listening.
Listen to Understand, Not Compete: Often, we’re eager to jump in with our thoughts, turning conversations into competitions. Break the cycle by saying, "That’s interesting; tell me more." You’ll gain more by listening fully.
Ask Probing Questions: Once the speaker finishes, ask thoughtful questions. Open-ended questions like "What do you think of...?" encourage deeper discussion, while closed-ended questions like "Did you finish the memo?" help clarify specifics. Both types are valuable depending on the context.
Confirm and Clarify: If something’s unclear, don’t assume—ask for confirmation. For example, "If I understand correctly, you’re saying it should be delivered by X. Is that right?" This ensures you’re on the same page and reinforces your understanding.
That’s it for today. If you are wondering “What’s a Reflection Short?” Read here.
References
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