Effective communication is crucial in the workplace as it allows us to build relationships, improve cooperation and productivity, resolve conflicts, and make better decisions. As we previously learned, active listening is one way to conduct communication in an efficient way.

Communication is the foundation for building solid relationships with colleagues, managers, and clients. When people communicate effectively, they are more likely to establish trust and collaboration. It helps solve conflicts and avoid confusion, which could lead to mistakes and conflicts.

However, even when conflicts appear, effective communication can help solve them by ensuring that all parties understand each other’s perspectives and concerns.

Overall, effective communication is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment. But how do we achieve that level of effective communication?  It all starts with active listening.

What is active listening?

Active listening is a communication skill that involves fully concentrating on and engaging with what someone else is saying. No interruptions or judgements during this listening process. It involves paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, such as tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions, to understand the speaker’s message and perspective.

Active listening also involves responding in a way that shows you have understood and empathized with the speaker’s message. Ask clarifying questions, summarize what you’ve heard, and offer support or feedback.

The main goals of active listening are to build trust and understanding. It will also facilitate effective communication and problem-solving.

Why is it important in the workplace?

Active listening is important mainly due to the fact that it promotes effective communication, by ensuring that everyone is on the same page and understands what is being communicated. There are many benefits of practicing active listening in the workplace, of which the most important are:

Building trust and relationships: Active listening helps build trust. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to trust and work collaboratively with others.

Enhancing problem-solving: Active listening helps people to identify and address problems more effectively. By listening to different perspectives and ideas, teams can develop more innovative and effective solutions.

Resolving conflicts: Active listening can help to resolve conflicts in the workplace. By allowing everyone to express their opinions and perspectives, they will easier find common ground.

Encouraging learning and growth: Active listening can also promote a culture of learning and growth in the workplace. When people listen to and learn from each other, they will:

• Develop new skills and knowledge
• Improve their own performance
• Build better overall team performance

Increased job satisfaction: When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their jobs and remain engaged and productive.

Overall, active listening is a fundamental skill for effective communication and collaboration in the workplace. It can contribute to improved productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction by fostering a positive and productive work environment, building strong relationships, and achieving common goals.

How to effectively use active listening in the workplace

Active listening does not come easy for everyone, especially when we are used to listening in order to formulate a reply instead of listening to understand the other person.

“The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply.”

Stephen Covey

If you are one of those people who starts formulating a counter-argument in their head the second they hear someone talking, here are some ways to improve your active listening skills at work.

Pay attention

To be an active listener, you must first pay attention to what the speaker is saying. Avoid distractions such as checking your phone, or engaging in other activities while someone is speaking. Be an *active* listener.

Avoid interrupting

Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can be perceived as disrespectful and can disrupt the flow of the conversation. Avoid jumping to conclusions and give them the space to fully express their thoughts and feelings. While your opinions and feelings are important, you have to remember that being an active listener is based on the premise that you are the listener.

Show interest

Show the speaker that you are interested in what they are saying. Maintain eye contact, nod occasionally, and use verbal cues to show that you are engaged.

Ask questions

Ask questions to ensure that you understand the speaker’s message. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that you are on the same page. It will also show that you are interested and invested in what they are saying.

Use open-ended questions to encourage the other person to elaborate and provide more details, which can clarify their message and deepen your understanding of their perspective.

Paraphrase and summarize

From time to time, repeat what the speaker has said in your own words to show that you have understood their message.

Summarize their message to ensure that you have grasped the main points of the conversation. Try using phrases such as “What I am hearing is that…“.

Respond appropriately

Respond appropriately to the speaker’s message. This may involve providing feedback, expressing empathy, or offering solutions. However, in some instances, you might just have to listen, without providing any input. Depending on the situation, avoid giving unsolicited advice.

Use nonverbal cues

Use body language and facial expressions to show that you are actively listening. Maintaining eye contact, nodding, smiling, and even blinking can show you are interested and engaged.

Manage your own emotions

Active listening requires staying calm and composed, even in stressful or difficult situations. Take a deep breath, focus on the speaker, and avoid reacting emotionally. Remember this is not about you.

In order to be a good active listener you have to accept that the focus of the conversation is the other person, their thoughts, and their feelings, which they are now expressing.

Show empathy

Try to understand the speaker’s perspective and emotions. React with empathy and try to show that you are someone who can be trusted. This is how you create a bond with other people.

Practice all the time

Practice active listening regularly in both professional and personal settings. With practice, active listening can become a habit and improve your communication and collaboration skills in the workplace, but also make your personal relationships stronger.

By practicing these techniques, you can improve your active listening skills and become a more effective communicator and collaborator in the workplace. This will contribute to a more positive and productive work environment, which will benefit everybody in the end.