Active and Effective Listening

In today’s busy and more virtual world, effective communication is more important then ever, however, active listening has become a rare as we devote less time to really listening to one another.

Active listening helps to build friendships and careers, because it is key to improve understanding, resolve problems/conflicts, and build relationships.

At work, effective listening drives rework, fewer errors and less waste of time.

Here are simple tips to help us develop active and effective listening skills:

- Be attentive: Face the speaker. Maintain eye contact;
- Keep an open mind and listen to all words;
- Try to picture what the speaker is saying andfeel what the speaker is feeling;
- Don’t interrupt and  impose your thoughts or solutions;
- Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding;
- Give feedback to the speaker.