The Business Bulletin
Are you listening to me? Probably not! We all spend lots of time listening to people. At least, we think we do. But I know my mind can drift to other things even when I want to concentrate on what someone’s saying. It’s difficult in our fast paced world full of distractions, to be truly attentive.
But it matters.
do. It’s not just sitting there while
In contrast, when you listen
someone else talks but showing
actively it can help the other person
you’re interested and paying
speak freely – they’ll see you’re
attention. I’m sure you’ve been in
interested and are less likely to
conversations where the other person
fear judgment so are more likely
was distracted, looking out of the
to keep talking. You’ll get more
window perhaps, or they just seemed
opportunities to understand them
miles away. How did that make you
and the conversation can proceed
feel? Were you able to tell them what
positively. Active listening is a useful
Active listening, as the phrase
you intended or did you find it hard to
skill in all walks of life, including in
suggests, is something you have to
continue the conversation?
the workplace.
If you can listen effectively (i.e. by active listening) you’ll reap the rewards. Read on to discover what active listening is, how it will benefit you and how to do it.
What is active listening?
16 | Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development
