Listening is a key skill to learn, if you want to be a better leader. However, although many of us think we are great listeners, in reality many of us need to learn how to listen more effectively.

One of the biggest listening-related misconceptions is that any listening style is good. However, if you’re prone to doing other things whilst someone is talking to you, or you spend your time thinking of suitable responses whilst you’re being spoken to – your listening skills could do with an overhaul! At best, you’re coming over as busy; at worse, you look like you’re just not paying attention.

By becoming a better listener you’ll not only appear more trustworthy, you’ll also be seen as someone who respects and values others. So, if you’re looking to improve your listening skills and become a better listener, here’s 3 simple things you can do that will help.

#1: Pay attention to what’s being said

Listen to the other person, rather than thinking about your response whilst they’re still talking. Sometimes it’s what they’re not saying that’s the key point – and you’ll miss these cues, if you’re not paying attention to the conversation. Give the person your undivided attention and don’t just listen to the words they’re saying – pay attention to how they’re saying it, along with their body language and facial expressions too.

#2: Ask thoughtful questions

When you ask questions you’re not only looking to better understand, you’re also confirming how well you’ve been listening. Thoughtful questions are ones that serve to give you a better understanding of how they’re feeling, along with what they’re saying. They show that you’re interested in what they’re saying and you’re keeping the focus on them – they’re your priority. Be careful you don’t ask too many questions though, you don’t want it to look like an interrogation!

#3: Be reflective in your responses

When we get into a conversation with another person, it’s easy to be looking at ways you can share your knowledge or connect with them on a better level. However, if you want to be a better listener, you need to make the conversation about them, not you. Not every conversation needs you to offer up a solution – some people just need to vent! If you spend all of your time trying to solve the perceived problems the other person is having, you may come over as a know-it-all and, at worse, you may aggravate them more by pointing out the obvious.

Instead, look to offer reflective responses. Look to paraphrase what they’ve already said, to confirm your understanding and clarify how they’re feeling. By confirming how they feel you’re keeping the focus on them – rather than giving them solutions they may not want.

Learning to become a better listener doesn’t have to be a difficult skill to master. By following the three simple tips above, you’ll improve your listening skills in no time and have the added bonus of building stronger business relationships too!

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