How effective you are in stating what you need, expect, or desire (effective communication) is critical to your success.
This effectiveness is not just about how you speak or how assertive you are—it’s foundationally about listening.
Everyone talks about listening;
most leaders I speak with believe they are good listeners,
but they are not.
Listening, truly listening, is hard.
Here, I share one humble yet powerful listening tactic that can unlock the full potential of your team.
Active Listening
Active listening is powerful because it is more than just hearing what someone says.
Active listening is free of judgment.
When you practice active listening, you show respect for the speaker and create a foundation for meaningful communication.
For Example
You’re in a team meeting discussing a new project.
Instead of passively just being there while you wait for your turn to speak, actively engage with what your colleagues are saying.
How?
- Summarize their points, especially if they report to you
- Ask clarifying questions (if it makes sense to do so)
- Show genuine interest in their ideas
- Don’t be answering messages or working on something else; excuse yourself and do it outside the meeting if you have to attend to other priorities.
Isn’t it refreshing to have someone listen to you when everyone else is typically on their phones or laptops, waiting for their turn to speak/present?
Why It Works
Active listening has several benefits:
1. Builds Trust: When team members feel listened to, they will trust you more, leading to stronger bonds and better teamwork.
2. Fosters Innovation: By actively engaging with different perspectives, you open the door to new ideas and creative solutions.
3. Improves Problem-Solving: Active listening helps uncover underlying issues and facilitates more effective problem-solving.
Try It Out
Next time you’re in a team meeting or one-on-one discussion, challenge yourself to practice active listening.
Yes, it’s a challenge.
Yes, it’s super hard to do.
Yes, your head might hurt at the beginning.
Yes, your ego will want to take over.
And yes, you’re better than that!
Put away distractions, maintain eye contact, and focus on truly understanding the speaker’s message.
You’ll be amazed at how it transforms the dynamics of your interactions, and when you practice this with your team, you will unlock their full potential.
With love,
Mari Carmen
