Listen
Have you been in a conversation where the other person hasn’t been listening well?
Were they interrupting, talking about something else or distracted? Maybe you have been like that with someone else? A big part of working in a team is increasing in self-awareness, being aware of how much you talk and giving others the gift of listening well to them.
So what skills are needed to listen well?
Be aware of non-verbal communication. We need to encourage the other person that we are listening, and can do this by leaning forwards, giving good eye contact (but not in an aggressive manner), giving space for the person to think and respond, and not being judgemental.
Be like the people at a drive thru- Try to state back what was said & ask what else?
Say thank you. Make sure you sincerely thank the person for sharing with you.
Ask questions to clarify any points.
Tell them how you will respond. You may be able to respond immediately, otherwise, tell the person when and how you will respond to what they said.
These skills are particularly important when in a conflict discussion.
Remember- listen well, repeat and ask if there is anything else- just like when you go to the drive thru.
