To be a good employee involves listening to your manager and co-workers regularly. But being a great listener involves more than just hearing what a person has to say. Fortunately, there are a variety of strategies you may use to become the best listener possible! Here are some practical ways to sharpen your listening abilities at work.
Make Eye Contact
You’ll feel more involved with your co-workers and more focused. Meeting someone’s gaze may seem insignificant, but it conveys a lot of interest. When conversing with co-workers at the office, avoid looking at the floor, checking your phone, or appearing preoccupied. While looking at an individual’s eye, avoid staring! Just look them in the eye and refrain from thinking too much as they speak.
Ask Questions
This aids in information comprehension and retention. Ask your questions if someone communicates a novel idea to you. By doing so, you’ll be able to get any questions answered and later recall the material. Additionally, it’s a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate to your co-workers that you value what they say. Make inquiries that begin with “How,” “What,” and “Who.” Over-communicating is preferable to under-communicating.
Use Uplifting Body Language
To maintain interest, nod in agreement as your co-workers speak. When they’re speaking, you can also bend in their direction. Both help you maintain your attention on what your co-workers are saying. This encouraging body language also communicates your commitment to your teammates. They may feel more at ease speaking with you and exchanging ideas. To demonstrate that you are paying attention in a meeting when your employer announces a new assignment, nod along.
Steer Clear of Distractions
When anyone is speaking to you, pay attention. You could be tempted to peek at your cell phone, check your emails, or drift off during meetings. Maintaining focus will help you fully hear what your co-workers say. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” stop getting email notifications, and stop thinking about what you will eat for dinner. Without these pauses, listening will be a lot simpler. Consider taking notes in seminars, for example, if you truly need help to stay focused. This may encourage you to continue participating.
While Your Colleague Is Speaking, Visualize What They Are Saying
This is a fantastic focus-enhancing technique. Imagine the pictures that go with what they’re saying as they talk. Refocus on those pictures whenever you notice your thoughts straying. If you need help staying present, you can actively participate in what your employer or co-worker is saying.
If a co-worker is discussing the details of an upcoming event, see it in your mind. Perhaps she is referring particularly to using a food truck or catering business. Please think of the diners, the food truck, and the meal itself!
Provide Feedback
Your commitment to the project increases when you express your point of view. You may not listen as intently if you simply accept things as they are and keep your feelings to yourself. Be open about your opinions at meetings and pay close attention to what your colleagues are saying. If you come up with any, you can respectfully offer a different course of action. You can make a potentially dull meeting more entertaining and enhance your listening skills by actively participating.
Imagine that your employer desires to hire a group to perform at a big event your business is organizing. You might have engaged in the music business before this position. Bring up your expertise and relevant experience!
