Leader: “So, is that all? Anything else I can help you with?”
Direct Report: “No, that’s all. Thanks.”
Except… that wasn’t all, was it?
There was more.
More that needed to be heard.
This is what most leaders are missing – Active listening.
Active listening is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence.
Coaching demands it.
Effective leadership depends on it.
When clients bring me their problems, they’re rarely sharing the actual issue.
Active listening gets to the nub of it.
Everyone talks about active listening, but what does it actually look like in practice?
Here are 8 active listening skills (and what they sounds like)
1. Be attentive.
“I’m here. Take your time.”
2. Summarise.
“So what I’m hearing is…”
3. Paraphrase.
“It sounds like you’re saying…”
4. Ask open-ended questions.
“What’s your perspective on that?”
5. Ask probing questions.
“What’s the underlying issue here?”
6. Request clarification.
“Can you help me understand that a bit more?”
7. Holding the space.
The other person thinking.
8. Be attuned to and reflect feelings.
“It seems like this is really frustrating for you?”
This isn’t just for leaders.
Anyone can develop active listening skills, and it will transform your relationships and your career.
Kenrick Vaz 