Do you believe that you have good listening skills? After all, you don’t talk over others, demonstrate that you’re actively listening by muttering “uh-huh” from time to time, and rephrase what they’re saying. Actually, it may not be enough. A study in the Harvard Business Review revealed that someone feels heard when the person they’re speaking with is an active participant in the conversation, and doesn’t hesitate to provide a contrasting point of view. How can we know when someone feels heard? When they feel energized and ready to bounce back following the conversation. Think of it as a trampoline effect.
Do your listening skills have that trampoline effect?
WHEN?
- Why not now? It only takes 5 minutes.
HOW?
- Start by a self-assessment.
- Choose to improve your listening skills.
- Pick one element in the following list and practice it until you master it.
- Ask for feedback from someone you trust and to whom you’ve lent an ear.