The Art of Listening: The Key to Bomb Communication and Fire Relationships
By: Kaylee Hannah
Why Active Listening Matters
Have you ever found yourself feeling alone in a conversation because you could tell the other person wasn’t really listening? Maybe they were nodding absentmindedly, had delayed or no reactions, were scrolling through their phone as you spoke, or you could almost see the wheels turning as they were preparing their response before you even finished speaking.
Listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about fully understanding and participating. Whether in the workplace, personal relationships, or simple everyday interactions, mastering this skill can transform communication and build trust.
The Foundation of Good Communication
- Why listening is the most underrated communication skill:
- People assume communication is about having interesting or entertaining things to say, but the best communicators listen more than they speak.
- Studies show even when intentionally listening, most people understand and retain about 50% of information immediately after engaging in conversation and only remember approximately 25% after 48 hours.
- Miscommunication, especially in the workplace, often stems from poor listening habits rather than poor speaking abilities.
- The difference between just hearing and real listening:
- Hearing: Background noise (think Charlie Brown’s teacher), not fully processing (or caring) what’s being said.
- Active listening: Engaged, asking clarifying questions, and responding thoughtfully.
Techniques to Improve Active Listening
- Eliminate Distractions – Put down your phone, close unnecessary tabs (both digitally and in your mind) and maintain eye contact. Ask for repetition if needed.
- Use Non-Verbal Cues – Nodding, facial expressions, and mirroring show engagement.
- Practice Reflective Listening – Repeat or summarize what was said to confirm understanding.
- Ask Clarifying Questions – Avoid assumptions by asking open-ended questions. There are no dumb questions! What matters is the effort to understand.
- Resist the Urge to Respond Immediately – Pause before speaking to ensure you’re responding, not reacting. This shows self-control as well as respect. Why just respond to get the conversation over with? You have an opinion and something to add which is important! Use it.
- Validate the Speaker’s Emotions – Even if you disagree, acknowledging how they feel fosters trust and understanding. It also portrays confidence in your stance as well. This makes the person feel safe to express their thoughts with you as well as makes them more apt to receive your views.
How Active Listening Enhances Workplace Relationships
- Stronger Team Dynamics: Employees feel valued, appreciated, and understood.
- Better Customer Service: Listening to clients’ concerns leads to stronger problem-solving.
- Increased Productivity & Problem-Solving: Fewer miscommunications results in a smoother workflow.
- Creates a More Positive Work Culture: When people feel heard, they engage more meaningfully.
The Challenge to Listen More
- You can use your body language, pauses and active attention to cultivate a healthy and positive environment. Every day practice builds mastery in positive and active listening habits.
- Take a deep breath, reset your mind and focus on the person as you hope someone would do for you.
- When you are not listening, you are not only wasting the speakers’ time and breath but also your own time. What is the point in the pretending to listen or half-butt listening to pass through the moment when active listening could improve your situation as well as the other persons?
- A call to action:
“This week, challenge yourself to be fully present in conversations. Put away distractions, ask follow-up questions, and truly engage. You’ll be surprised how much deeper your connections become when you simply listen.” - Over time, you will feel better about yourself, folks will build trust in your relationship and you will be able to be of service in a positive and expansive way.
- This art form can be used in a professional setting, but do not underestimate the power of listening in all areas of life!
RAW Reflectionz 