The Importance of Listening in the Workplace

Listening plays major roles in both professional and personal life. It enables you to gain knowledge and understand others. Also, it is one of the best ways to show your value and respect their thoughts.

In this blog, you will learn why listening is important and tips to improve it in the workplace. 

Why Listening Is So Important?

Have you heard of LSRW skills? It is the learning process that represents;

L – Listening

S- Speaking 

R- Reading

W- Writing 

Listening is the first step towards learning. You upgrade yourself by listening to others, no matter where you are. Listening might sound like a simple task, but it is not as simple as you think. However, effective listening will build a positive environment around you.

In the workplace listening is the basic key factor that will help achieve your goals. Active listening represents that you show courtesy toward the speaker. Whether it is a one-to-one conversation, group meeting, or brainstorming session, listening stimulates the feeling of being valued or heard, it helps strengthen the bond with your colleagues. Moreover, keen listening restrains paraphrasing the same context again and again. 

Tips to Improve Listening Skills in the Workplace 

Stay Focused

Be alert, and stay focused while listening, it shows you are keen to hear the words.

Maintaining eye contact is another way to show you are paying attention to the speaker. During a conversation remove the distraction which tends to divert attention such as mobile phones, laptop, or other distracting things.

Don’t Interrupt

Interrupting a conversation is considered to be rude, some speakers may think that listeners try to overpower them. In such instances, the speaker may feel as if you give importance to your voice over them. Also, do not try to fill the gaps with questions or conversations, wait until they need your opinion on the subject. In some cases, an interruption might make a person lose their train of thought.  In exceptional cases, if you feel the need to interrupt, do it politely.

Ask Questions Relevant to the Conversation

Raising relevant questions shows you are actively listening. It will encourage the speaker to continue, and give a chance to interact with them. Further, it shows that you have been listening and understanding what he has been trying to convey.

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

Don’t judge the situation from your perspective, try to understand them from their shoes. 

Show empathy when they convey their own experiences about the workplace or any unfortunate situations. Ask in detail if the conversation is not clear. Your reactions must indicate that you understood them verbally and emotionally. 

Non-verbal Feedback

Feedback doesn’t always meant to be in written form or at the end of the session. You can express this through body language by nodding, by responding “Hmmm” or “okay”. Be clear when you give feedback, and make it transparent.    

Listening is very important in the workplace to understand and observe different perspectives. Be a patient listener and gather as much as information possible to act or make decisions. Listening to your colleagues, managers, and subordinates will give you an opportunity to view things differently. Try to focus on the conversation without any diversions because listening is an important skill to be a leader.