Are you listening?
By Trina Stanford
“Listening is not understanding the words of the question asked, listening is understanding why the question was asked in the first place.” Simon Sinek
Many of us think that we are effective listeners and therefore don’t need to enhance and improve our listening skills. Unfortunately, very few of us are truly effective listeners. Attentive or active listening is not difficult to learn, but it does involve practice and patience —- or to breaking bad listening habits that have been learned and reinforced over time.
You can be a better listener when you practice CARE. For this week, some tips to consider when listening:
- Use compassionate communication while exchanging thoughts and ideas.
- Be an active listener paying close attention to body language and behavior.
- Respond and reflect that indicates you and colleague are on the same page.
- End discussion on positive note with encouraging words.
In truly listening to our peers, colleagues, family, friends, when we CARE by using compassionate communication, being an active listener, responding and reflecting appropriately and using encouraging words, we send the message that they matter.
