Tips for Proactive Listening and Communication

Ever feel like your team meetings are just a bunch of talking heads? You're not alone… But what if I told you the key to unlocking better collaboration, higher engagement, and stronger results lies in something often overlooked? Active listening is more than just keeping quiet while someone speaks… It's about truly paying attention, understanding the speaker's intent, showing the speaker you understand them, and responding thoughtfully I recently coached an David (an engineering manager) on this His team was brimming with talent, but constantly missing deadlines, struggling to collaborate, and fixing mistakes that were caused by misunderstandings David noticed frustration and a lack of engagement, and after digging a little deeper, we identified a core problem… Team members weren't actively listening to each other! Ideas were interrupted, and some felt their voices weren't valued, which created a culture of hesitation and hindered creative problem-solving But changing a team culture starts at the top… Through coaching, David honed his active listening skills and implemented these practices with his team: **Give Full Attention:** David learned to silence distractions, make eye contact, and truly focus on the speaker. This simple act communicated respect and encouraged open communication **Practice Reflection and Paraphrasing:** David began summarizing key points to ensure everyone was on the same page, which clarified understanding and fostered trust **Ask Clarifying Questions:** David encouraged questions to delve deeper into ideas and build upon each other's thoughts, which fostered a more collaborative environment **Embrace Silence:** David created space for thoughtful responses instead of jumping in to fill pauses, which allowed for deeper reflection and richer discussions **Active Listening for All:** David encouraged team members to practice active listening with each other, which fostered a culture of mutual respect and understanding These simple practices produced remarkable results! Communication improved dramatically, deadlines were met, innovation soared, and the team thrived on collaboration because everyone felt empowered to share ideas freely, knowing they would be heard Implement these active listening techniques in your next team meeting and see the difference! #Leadership #CivilEngineering #SoftwareEngineering

“My teammate is a reserved person, and I find it challenging to get them to open up during our one-on-one meetings. Whether they're uncomfortable discussing certain topics or simply prefer to keep things brief, I want to create a more meaningful connection and draw out their thoughts.” A typical situation which happens quite a lot during the career of every manager. Hopefully, there are effective tips and tricks that can help me overcome this common situation and make our one-on-one meetings more productive and insightful. 🤔💡" 🔵 Avoid the Yes/No Trap: Instead of asking questions with one-word answers, opt for open-ended inquiries that encourage more elaborate responses. For instance, replace "Did you complete the project?" with "Tell me about your progress on the project and any roadblocks you've encountered." 🔵 Start with Neutral Topics: Kick off the conversation with light and non-threatening topics to build rapport. Casual questions like "How was your weekend?" or "What are your hobbies outside of work?" can set a relaxed tone and gradually lead to deeper discussions. 🔵 Show Empathy and Patience: Recognize that some individuals take time to open up. Demonstrate genuine empathy and patience during the conversation, reassuring them that their perspectives are valued. 🔵 Listen Actively: Active listening is a superpower! 🦸♂️ Be fully present during the conversation, maintain eye contact, and nod in acknowledgment to show that you're genuinely interested in what they have to say. 🔵 Use "What" and "How" Questions: Employ questions like "What challenges are you facing in your current project?" or "How do you feel about your role in the team?" These encourage detailed responses and deeper insights. 🔵 Allow Silence: Don't be afraid of silence during the conversation. Give your direct report space to collect their thoughts and respond in their own time. 🔵 Be Supportive: Ensure your team members know that you're there to help and support them. Show appreciation for their efforts and celebrate their achievements, fostering a positive and trusting atmosphere. 🔵 Reflect and Summarize: Throughout the conversation, paraphrase their responses and summarize key points to show that you're actively engaged and value their input. 🔵 End with Encouragement: Conclude the meeting by thanking them for their honesty and contributions. Express your commitment to their growth and well-being within the organization. By incorporating these strategies, you'll create a safe and empowering space for your quieter direct reports to thrive and shine! 💪 Remember, understanding and supporting our team members is a continuous journey that enriches both their professional development and your leadership skills. #LeadershipSkills #OneonOneMeetings #OpenEndedQuestions #CommunicationTips #EmployeeEngagement #TeamBuilding 🚀🤝

People Management: The Art of Listening with Purpose "Most people don't listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." – Stephen R. Covey. 👂💭 When it comes to effective people management, listening is a fundamental skill that should never be underestimated. As leaders, it is crucial to remember that true listening goes beyond just hearing the words spoken by our team members; it involves understanding their perspectives, feelings, and needs. 🌟 Active and empathetic listening fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and empowers employees. When we lend a compassionate ear, we create a safe space for open communication, making our team members feel valued and appreciated. ✨ Here are some essential tips for practicing purposeful listening in your people management approach: 1️⃣ Be Present: Set aside distractions and focus entirely on the person speaking. Show genuine interest in what they have to say. 2️⃣ Empathize: Put yourself in their shoes to understand their emotions and concerns better. Validate their feelings and experiences. 3️⃣ Avoid Jumping to Conclusions: Allow others to express themselves fully before formulating responses. Listen with an open mind. 4️⃣ Ask Clarifying Questions: Seek to comprehend the deeper meaning of their words. Clarify uncertainties to avoid miscommunication. 5️⃣ Practice Patience: Some team members might need more time to articulate their thoughts. Give them the space to express themselves at their pace. Understanding our team members' perspectives can create a positive and productive work environment that fosters growth and collaboration. Remember, it's not just about replying; it's about understanding, connecting, and building strong relationships. #PeopleManagement #LeadershipSkills #ActiveListening #Empathy #CommunicationSkills #EmployeeEngagement

Are you truly listening or just waiting for your turn to speak? In a world filled with distractions, active listening is a game-changer. Active listening is all about being fully present and engaged in the conversation. It's about focusing on the speaker and truly understanding their perspective. ~Even if it is different from yours~ Looking to level up this invaluable skill? Here is how: 1. Nonverbal communication: Show that you're fully present by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using open body language. Let the speaker know that you're invested in what they have to say. 2. Verbal communication: Use verbal cues like I see, Interesting, or tell me more to show your active engagement. This encourages the speaker to share more and fosters a deeper connection. 3. Responding to the speaker: Paraphrase or summarize what the speaker said to ensure you've understood their message correctly. This not only clarifies any potential misunderstandings but also shows that you value their perspective. 4. Keep the focus on the speaker: Avoid interrupting or hijacking the conversation with your own thoughts. Let the speaker finish their thoughts and give them the space to express themselves fully. Implement these today. Trust me, you'll be amazed at the positive impact it will have on your relationships and career!

When I launched my podcast, I had to interview smart minds. I was nervous and unprepared. I treated every conversation like ping-pong. I asked, they answered. Back and forth. Hit and miss. No depth, no insight, no connection. This is how most of us communicate. We talk to reply, not to learn. “Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, others over self.” - Dean Jackson Your listening and communication skills determine your success in: - Sales - Relationships - Leadership - Life Bottom line: It matters. And we can do better. I’ve improved a lot. It wasn’t easy, but these are 5 frameworks that helped me listen better and transform how I communicate. 1. The Ladder of Inference (Bias). We often make assumptions and jump to conclusions, without checking the facts and logic. This leads to confusion, conflict, and poor decisions. To avoid this, we need to climb DOWN the ladder and question our thinking. This is a dangerous ladder that creates bias and limits us. 2. The Five Whys. A simple way to go deeper. Ask “why” (5 times) until you find the root cause. - It uncovers hidden assumptions and beliefs. - It prevents superficial solutions. - Be curious and open-minded and keep digging. 3. Affective Frame A technique teachers use. When you know why you care, you’ll pay more attention (and listen better). We can lose focus and drift away. Constantly remind yourself of the purpose and value of the conversation. You’ll stay engaged longer. 4. Signal vs. Noise: Signal: The main message or idea. Noise: Anything that distracts, confuses, or weakens the signal. We’re bad at expressing our thoughts. This leads to chaos. - Be clear and concise. - Use simple words and sentences. - Avoid jargon and filler words. This will help the other person focus. Complex questions or vague thoughts lead to messy back and forth. 5. The Pareto Principle. We don’t need to cover every topic every time. Pareto principle tells us that 80% of the outcomes come from 20% of the inputs, actions, or ideas. However, more often than not, we repeat 80% of the things that only produce 20% of the results, instead of the opposite. This happens because the 20% that produces the 80% is the hard work, the tough tasks, the deep, challenging questions. Remember. Time is precious. We only have so much time to communicate and get things done. - Focus on the important work. - Have the difficult conversation. - Ask the hard questions. That’s how you make every conversation count.

Everyone knows it's important to be a good listener, but perhaps there's not enough focus on actually improving our listening skills. So how can we be better listeners? Here are 5 tips: 1️⃣ Allow for moments of silence. If there's a pause in the conversation, let the speaker think of additional thoughts they want to share. Don't automatically fill in the gap with your own thoughts. 2️⃣ Show empathy. Especially when someone is sharing something personal or emotional, make sure your verbal responses and body language show that you care, that you're paying attention, and that you want to help. 3️⃣ Have an attitude of learning. Make it your goal to learn something from others, which can help you pay better attention and process what's being said to you. 4️⃣ Recharge before meetings or big conversations. Move around a little bit, go for quick walk, get some fresh air, or do some stretching. All any of these activities will get your blood flowing, make you feel more awake, boost your energy, and help you stay focused. 5️⃣ Be honest about your time and availability. If a team member wants to chat while you're busy or feeling stressed, be honest and let them know it's not a good time. Make sure you schedule a plan or time to talk with them later. #1 and #5 have helped me manage my impatience and tendency to finish people’s sentences when they take “too long.” I'm far from perfect, but just these two changes have helped me be a much more considerate listener. Any tips that have helped you?

#1 skill of the BEST communicators: Listening. How often do you find yourself in situations where you are sharing an idea, a story, a statement and you are cut off mid-sentence. That happened to me just yesterday. Internally I’m a bit frustrated....and I’m wondering if the other person was listening to anything that I had been saying…. likely not. To be fair, I’ve found myself interrupting others while they were mid-sentence knowing “exactly” the next words they were going to say. Of all the communication skills – presentation, written, tone, nonverbals – listening skills doesn’t get the focus it needs. The 6 ways I practice my listening skills: 👉 Stay curious – this is all about keeping an open mind and reserving judgement. 👉Listen to understand - Stephen Covey said it best with “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” I’m listening to more than the words. 👉Slow down and practice silence – I think to myself “W.A.I.T” – “Why Am I Talking?” 👉Manage distractions – From my phone to my watch, distractions are ready to peel me away from my interaction. 👉Avoid interruptions – interrupting sends a message that my own thoughts / ideas are more important than the other person. If I interrupt and catch myself, I’ll apologize for the interruption and ask them to “please, go no.” The habit of interrupting others negatively impacts the relationship. 👉Ask questions – Had a mentor that encouraged to be sharpen my skillset at “clearing the fog.” Questions that begin with “what” are the best questions that expand the conversation (clear the fog). More helpful info here: https://lnkd.in/gdHJc9sp Graphic source and other good info: https://lnkd.in/gSNKUbaQ #listeningskills #activelistening #canyouhearme

Many may not be listening to what you are really saying? 20 years ago, I was completing modules for my initial coach training. Our assignment was to coach a surrogate student for one hour. Module was Practice Active Listening One hour ONLY asking various types of powerful questions. At first, this was very awkward listening then only asking questions. I distinctly remember that moment shifting from my head to the heart. Discoveries from my first Coachee: * Being in the Moment * The Power in the Pause * Trusting Them Without an Agenda * Being Present With Their Experience The Coachee said, wow, that was an extraordinary experience! What value would you place on a greater connection with your clients, colleagues and family? In the Coaching Context, What Active Listening is Not: - About You - Interrogation - Agenda Driven - Coach Making Statements Desire to be heard? Practice the Art and Skill of Active Listening. Active Listening: * Fosters Empathy * Grows Connection * Expands Capacity * Opens Powerful Discovery * Uncovers the Root of the Situation * Being Fully Present Builds Trust * Creates a Space for Transformation Tips for Effective Active Listening: 1. Discovery to Action 2. Questions from honor 3. Ask Curiosity Questions 4. Avoid Making Statements 5. Call to Actions with Clarity 6. Create Judgement Free Space 7. Listen to Understand not to Agree/Disagree Active listening is a transformative skill that can be learned. Empowering actions can take place through active listening. Active listening will fuel innovation. >> How do you feel when someone is actively listening to you? << + My Purpose is Your Growth! DM me or schedule a 20 minute free coaching consultation to explore your coaching possibilities. > I have had the honor of coaching leaders for 20 years. > I have had over 25 years of being in business. Or visit: www[dot]TRUFORTH[dot]co

Active listening is one of the most critical skills a leader can possess. It's not just about hearing words; it's about truly understanding and engaging with what is being said. As Stephen R. Covey once said, "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." Active listening requires effort and intention. It involves paying attention not only to the words but also to the nonverbal cues and tone of the speaker. In fact, John Stoker reminds us that 93% of communication occurs through nonverbal behavior and tone. This means that what is said is often less important than how it is said. Personally, this has been one of the most challenging skills for me to master. As someone who is constantly focused on action and execution, I find it difficult to pause and simply listen. I had to learn that sometimes, the most effective way to lead is not by doing, but by understanding. So, what exactly is active listening? It's the process of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said. It involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, using affirmative gestures, and providing feedback that shows you are engaged. Below are some of the things I am doing to Improve my active listening skills: 1. Be Present: Focus entirely on the speaker. Put away distractions and give my undivided attention. 2. Reflect and Clarify: Summarize what I have heard and ask questions to ensure understanding. 3. Empathize: Try to see things from the other persons perspective and validate their feelings. I hope that by improving my active listening skills, I not only become a better leader but also build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Remember, great leaders don't just speak well—they listen exceptionally well.

Leadjitsu leaders don't wing it. Respect is not something you can touch, yet when it is missing, it reverberates through the team. In my years of leadership, I've seen countless examples of a lack of respect for others. I'll share some examples tomorrow. For now, I want to share a Story From the Leadjitsu Dojo. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 Once upon a time, in a bustling corporate office, there was a team led by Sarah, known for her sharp skills but not for her people management. The team was diverse and talented but increasingly disengaged. The root cause? A lack of respect and feeling undervalued. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 Mike, a creative designer, felt his ideas were constantly overlooked. Anita, a diligent coder, felt undervalued. The team meetings were a monologue of Sarah’s ideas, with little room for others to contribute. They'd just stopped sharing altogether. The atmosphere was tense, and productivity was plummeting. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 Sarah knew things were not going well, but she couldn't quite pinpoint the problem. When she asked, the team just said things were fine. One day, Sarah attended a seminar on 'Dojo Respect' – a concept from the Leadjitsu Leader's Code, emphasizing the importance of respect in leadership, akin to the reverence shown in a martial arts dojo. Intrigued, Sarah decided to implement this in her team. It wasn't easy. It required Sarah to change her approach and it was not the least bit comfortable. Here are a few steps Sarah took in 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐣𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 1. Increased Active Listening: Sarah started by actively listening to her team members. In the next meeting, she encouraged everyone to share their ideas. Mike’s innovative design approach was acknowledged and implemented, boosting his confidence. She reminded herself to talk less and listen more. 2. Acknowledged Contributions: Anita’s coding skills were recognized in a genuine and heartfelt team email, highlighting how her work streamlined a major project. This public acknowledgment was unexpected and welcome. Anita felt proud and valued. 3. Encouraged Open Communication: Sarah established a 'no interruption' rule in meetings, ensuring everyone’s voice was heard. If Sarah started to interrupt, she stopped and apologized. She thanked the team when they finished. This open communication led to more collaborative and creative solutions. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 The transformation was remarkable. The team that once felt unheard and undervalued now thrived in an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 'Respect' isn't just a word; it's the foundation of effective leadership. 'Dojo Respect' isn't just a concept; it's a solution to one of the most common workplace challenges. When leaders like Sarah embrace it, they don't just change the dynamics of their team; they unlock its full potential. Share your examples of Dojo Respect.. or lack of it! #executivesandmanagement #leadershipdevelopment