Are you listening or hearing?

Do you know how to actively listen to your interlocutor, or are you only capable of criticizing or talking? Are you listening or hearing?

How well you listen has a major impact on your job effectiveness and the quality of your relationships with others. 

Active listening is about being present. Being present and listening carefully to the other person, trying to understand their message

It’s the kind of listening that requires care and attention. We must be present, not just physically but also mentally.

When you listen actively, you make the other person feel heard and valued.

Active listening helps to build trust and understanding in others.

People often confuse information with communication. Communication occurs only at the moment when someone accepts and understands the given information.

We cannot talk about communication if this condition is not met and if the recipient does not understand the message. Active listening is the basis of communication. 

Rules for achieving active listening:

Listening is more important than speaking, so we have two ears and one mouth. 

Make eye contact with the other person.

Let’s write down what is said, of course with the consent of the speaker. 

We always let the interlocutor finish speaking; we never finish his sentences, even if he stutters or searches for words.

Avoid making assumptions about what the interlocutor intends to say.

Let’s actively participate in the conversation by answering the questions.

Let us avoid preconceived notions.

Let’s double-check the words by asking if there’s anything we don’t understand.

Let’s ask the right questions; more questions on the same topic are better than many questions about anything.

Let’s wait for the response because the dramatic pause emphasizes what is being said.

When do we need to pay special attention to the interlocutor’s presentation of information? 

1. When we need information from the other party.

2. When there is the possibility of misunderstanding.

3. When the speaker adds an emotional dimension to their voice, the message becomes muddled.

By becoming a better listener, you can improve your productivity as well as your ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate. What’s more, you’ll avoid conflict and misunderstandings.