Listening: It’s a Practice, Not an Experiment
“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” – Dalai Lama
Let me kick this off with a quick story. Back in school, I was pretty shy about talking to girls. So, I asked a senior of mine, “How do I talk to girls?” She said, “It’s simple, just be a good listener.” I didn’t expect that, but it stuck with me.
When we think about communication, speaking is usually the first thing that comes to mind, followed by writing. But here’s the thing: listening is the real game-changer. It’s the foundation of great communication.
Listening vs. Hearing: Big Difference
Here’s a simple truth: hearing is passive—it’s just receiving sound. But listening? That’s active. It takes focus, understanding, and engagement. If you’re a great listener, being a good speaker or writer becomes much easier. Listening helps you understand the other person’s point, preventing misunderstandings. It all starts with listening.
My Journey to Better Listening
For me, improving my listening was a journey. The trick? Listen first, then respond. Too often, we’re already thinking about what we’ll say next while the other person is talking. Active listening requires you to put that aside and actually hear what they’re saying.
Active Listening in the Professional World
In your career, you’ll wear both hats—listener and speaker. The key to good communication is knowing the context. Is it a one-on-one meeting or a group discussion? Is it a casual chat or a conflict resolution talk? Active listening means paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues—tone, body language, and how someone says something, not just what they say.
A Simple Technique to Improve Listening
One trick I use in meetings is to take notes. It helps me stay engaged and ensures I don’t miss important points. Before responding, I’ll quickly summarize what the other person said. It helps me stay on track and gives me a moment to think before jumping in.
Listening in the Digital Age
Since the pandemic, communication has changed a lot. Virtual meetings and voice messages are now the norm, but they also come with distractions. To stay present, I’ve picked up a habit of reassuring the speaker that I’m listening by saying things like “Got it” or asking a quick clarifying question. It helps keep the conversation aligned.
For voice messages, I make it a point to listen twice. This extra step makes sure I’m understanding the message fully before I reply, reducing chances of miscommunication.
Why Listening Matters
Listening is the foundation of all communication. Whether you’re just starting your career or already in the game, improving your listening skills is essential. When you listen actively, you understand more, connect better, and avoid misunderstandings. It really does make everything else easier.
Book Recommendations
For deeper insights into communication, check out:
- Books by Dale Carnegie – Many classics on building relationships through listening.
- “The Art of Communicating” by Thich Nhat Hanh – A mindful approach to communication that can transform your interactions.
Dedication
This blog is dedicated to my dad, who’s taught me to adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward.
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