Good managers listen more than they speak.
But if listening isn’t a “natural” skill for you, how do you become a better listener?
Here’s 9 tips to be a better listener:
- Repeat the last few words of what was spoken back to the speaker
- Repetition is fine (in point 1), but contrary to common practice, try not to re-phrase or put in your own words
- Use natural non-verbal cues to demonstrate you’re listening
- Be alert to the speaker’s non-verbal cues
- Ask questions
- Minimize distractions
- Acknowledge or preface the conversation if you know you need help with “listening” better
- Don’t focus on responding or how to respond while listening
- Keep track of your emotions
[Read the full article from HBR for more detailed descriptions of how to be a better listener]
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