#TrainForLifeEmpowermentCampaign Post 59: ACTIVE LISTENING - Have you talked to someone over the phone or in person this week and wondered if you started saying…. blah, blah, blah, if they would even notice? Active listening is not easy. It requires you to be fully present and focused on what the other person is sharing. Two things that can hijack your attention: 1. Random thoughts that move your attention away from the present moment. 2. Focusing on what you want to say or how you want to respond. Our brain jumps to a new thought about every 3 seconds, so this might explain why active listening is so hard. However, it is not impossible. You can strengthen your listening skills just like a muscle. 8 things to consider:
1. Make sure you have the capacity to have a meaningful conversation
2. Notice when you are distracted, and without judgement bring yourself back to the moment
3. Ask questions to check for understanding
4. Put away your cell phone
5. Make eye-contact 6. Have conversations in environments that have less distraction
7. Engage with the person that is sharing
8. If appropriate, wrap-up the conversation with a recap of what you hear.
The most meaningful and effective conversations require all parties to be active listeners, engaged and present in the moment. If you have any other ideas please share.
Make your conversations this holiday weekend more meaningful by being an active listener. It is also OK, to tell someone you don’t have the capacity to be fully present for a meaningful conversation. After all, it takes effort, time and energy!
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