Active Listening

#DifficultConversations are necessary for a variety of reasons, including unmet expectations, missed deadlines, etc. It can be hard to stay focused when involved in an awkward conversation, but Active Listening is one way to engage well in these conversations. Active Listening involves several important components:

– Truly listening to the other’s words, not just preparing the next thing you are going to say

– Observing the other person’s facial expressions and body language

– Recognizing and understanding the background someone comes from

– Asking clarifying questions and restating the other person’s statements to ensure your understanding

– Acknowleging the other person’s emotions

– Acknowleging when a break might be needed so that conversation participants can think more clearly