Mastering Effective Listening: Strengthen Relationships and Fuel Success
Do you consider listening a necessary skill yet find it challenging? If you view it as a challenge, is it due to distractions, not enjoying the subject matter, or perhaps the person speaking?
None of these are positive, but they do occur, impacting our ability to build and maintain healthy relationships with an increase in misunderstandings.
In an article byInspire, they share that listening is an art and is based on 3 components:
Repeat
Reflect
Respond
Repeat Share back what you’ve heard; summarizing the message will validate the intent of the message and help prevent misunderstandings.
Reflect Share your thoughts about what you’ve heard; do you have any insights about the message, and would additional details enhance your understanding? Don’t be afraid to ask!
Respond Consider both verbal and non-verbal responses. What’s your body language saying? Also, share your interest or concern about the topic and encourage more dialog when appropriate.
We all want to be heard! Show the speaker that they have your undivided attention and that you are receptive to their message. This doesn’t mean you agree, but rather that you’re open minded to hearing their perspective.
Sincerely,
Mike and Jan
The ability to listen, to take in and digest what we’re hearing, is a crucial tool . . . –Inspire
