How do you show up for your team when you truly listen?
Do you clear your desk, your mind, and your time to be truly present?
When you are asked a question, are you thinking of your next answer or just allowing yourself the space to absorb what the person is trying to tell you?
Listening is vital to proper communication. Listening allows a person to feel valued.
Here are 3 helpful hints to support healthy listening:
A. Clear what you are doing. Focus on the person exclusively.
B. Remind yourself that nonverbal movements like eye contact, taking notes when needed, and body language say a lot (even without a single word).
C. Ask the person clarifying questions when needed using reflective listening and open-ended questions (that start with What or How) to stay connected.
Listening is the hallmark of being a great leader.