The ability to listen is a core communication skill. It’s absolutely a necessity when it comes to being an effective leader and reliable colleague.
In the new “normal” of post-pandemic life, especially in the workplace, active listening and empathy have gained a greater level of importance as members of the organization continue to deal with the changes in work and life.
Since we are 2 years “post” pandemic, professionals have probably seen several changes in their workplace cultures overall, including management style. Whether this is a favorable transition or an undesirable one really boils down to how in sync employees and their employers are, and how tasks (and the company morale) are being handled.
Leadership and Listening
A leader that is not an effective listener before taking action could potentially cause employees to be afraid of approaching them, and even make them unwilling to communicate. This can lead to a drop in productivity and company morale as a whole.
Employees who work remotely are especially affected by this issue, as they will feel distant and excluded more than ever.
(Tip: As an employer, it is good to remember that happy, satisfied employees that are in a fair environment tend to produce more quality work, with a better attitude.)
As a leader in your business or organization, listening can increase your capacity and allow you to learn from people around you in the organization.
- Active listening allows a leader to have a deeper understanding and additional knowledge that can change their perspective of a situation.
- Listening also shows your team that you care, and you are able to have empathy towards people while gaining trust in them as well.
Being a good listener as a leader gives you the ability to understand situations and provide direct attention to what is happening in the work environment. Also, while openly incorporating changes, suggestions, solutions, etc. made by your employees, they will know that their voice matters. (Yes, this includes grievances AND praises directed at the company.)
Linkedin.com states that Listening is overall the best skill a leader can have. Peter Drucker states,“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.”
A good, active listener has a better understanding and a stronger perspective of the reality of the environment within the business they work for. And because they have a better understanding of the employees’ feelings and/or struggles, they have the ability to help identify issues and show compassion when necessary.
How to Become An Active Listener
If you’re reading this section, you must be interested in how to become an active listener for the good of your company and employees, and that’s great.
There’s never a better time than right now!
Here are four introductory steps that you and your leadership team can implement to become better active listeners:
- Set Aside Distractions
- You don’t want it to seem like their time isn’t valuable. Pay attention and make eye contact.
- Show That You’re Listening
- Nod occasionally and use verbiage here and there to ensure others that you are listening and engaged.
- Pause, Then Provide Feedback or Pause, Reflect, Repeat
- Our personal assumptions can distort what we hear. Being an active listener, your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect on what you hear and to ask questions or repeat your understanding of the situation in case you need further clarification.
- Respond Appropriately
- Be candid, assertive, honest, and respectful with your response. This is an important ending to active listening, and most times takes the most effort.
Just like anything else, becoming an active listener takes work and overcoming biases and structures you may already have, especially when it comes to criticism.
No matter how great of an employer you may be, there is always room for improvement. Active listening is a wonderful start.
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