Active listening is a communication method in which you pay complete attention to the speaker, understand their message, avoid prejudices, and react carefully. It can be defined as a structured way of listening. Active listening is a key communication skill that applies to many fields and professions.

Empathy is required in addition to simply hearing the words, which is an essential workplace skill. However, many of us have never recognised active listening as an important skill.

It doesn’t happen naturally. Our brains filter out a lot of information to keep from feeling overwhelmed. To listen well, we need to be aware of this filtering. It means staying focused. Understand the speaker's view with empathy. Notice their words and body language.

How active listening enhances relationships

Strong listening skills can help you lead a healthy personal and professional life. One of the best ways to improve communication skills is to engage in listening. Also, there is a big difference between hearing and listening. So, understanding their feelings is highly recommended rather than just hearing them.

What are the benefits of active listening

Active listening is a great skill that helps you connect with others better. It can improve your relationships, make you a better communicator, and even boost your confidence.

You can gain a deeper understanding of others by engaging in active listening. This helps you avoid misunderstandings and solve problems. It’s a valuable skill that can benefit you in both your personal and professional life.

Genuine active listening will:

• Motivate the speaker to continue sharing
• Show that you are engaged in the conversation
• Create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere
• Communicate to the speaker that you are focused and interested
• Ensure mutual understanding and facilitates communication

The importance of active listening skills in the workplace.

Strengthens relationships

Active listening shows you care and respect others. It helps build stronger relationships and trust.

Enhances communication

It reduces misunderstandings and promotes clarity, leading to more effective communication.

Helps in problem-solving

Active listening helps find solutions and make agreements. It does this by fully understanding the issue.

Reduces conflict

Active listening can eliminate tension and prevent conflicts from escalating. Conflicts can lead to bad collaboration, which directly affects productivity.

Boosts productivity

Effective communication, facilitated by active listening, improves efficiency and teamwork.

Achieving goals

Active listening can be a powerful tool. It can help achieve personal and professional goals.

What are the five key elements of active listening?

To ensure effective communication, we must strive to understand each other. Active listening has five key elements That help us understand each other.

Pay attention

Focus on the speaker by facing them and giving your full attention. Avoid distractions like your phone, watch, or side conversations.

Show that you’re listening

To actively listen, have open body language. Don’t cross your arms. Encourage the speaker by interacting. Use positive body language, like nodding or smiling.

Provide feedback

To listen actively, ask relevant questions. Then, paraphrase what was said. If needed, get clarification. Finally, summarise the main points to ensure understanding.

Defer judgement

To actively listen, be respectful. Share your opinions, avoid personal attacks, and don’t interrupt. Respond honestly.

Respond appropriately

To actively listen, avoid assumptions, be empathetic and nonjudgmental, consider the speaker’s view, and let the presentation finish. Then, listen to the whole message before responding.

Common distractions that impact effective listening

Active listening is the ability to focus entirely on what someone is saying. It means understanding their message and reacting appropriately. However, various distractions can negatively impact our ability to listen attentively. Some of the common barriers are listed below:

Physiological barriers

Physiological barriers are physical or biological factors in the body. They make it harder for a person to listen normally. These can include illness, injury, or disabilities. They affect movement, communication, and health. A person with hearing impairment will struggle to understand a speaker, especially if they speak in a low voice.

Physical barriers

Physical barriers in active listening make it hard to hear, see and understand the speaker clearly. These can include noise, distance, or distractions in the environment. Many have faced physical barriers. For example, during remote meetings, there could be technical issues. Also, a sick child at home could distract you.

Attitude-based barriers

Attitude barriers are mental obstacles. They can hurt our listening. These barriers often come from our biases, beliefs, and emotions. A good example of an attitude-based barrier is a student’s attitude at the end of a course. There might be exams and assignments coming up. The student may struggle to listen and focus on the speaker due to high stress and anxiety.

Wrong assumptions

This is when we assume the conclusion with partial information. Giving the speaker a chance to finish the speech before offering your opinion is best practice. For instance, a man told his friend about a nervous interview. Thinking it went poorly, the friend interrupted with, “Better luck next time.” This shows a lack of active listening. The friend jumped to conclusions without fully grasping the speaker’s message. Instead of assuming, the friend should have listened completely, acknowledged the speaker’s feelings, and asked clarifying questions like, “How do you feel it went?”.

Cultural barriers

Cultural barriers are differences in customs, beliefs, or values that can make it hard to communicate with people from other cultures. Sometimes, language barriers can play a vital role in active listening. These barriers are common in the work environment.

Gender barriers

Gender barriers can hurt active listening. They’re rooted in societal expectations and stereotypes. For example, in some areas, women are seen as emotional and men are seen as logical. This belief could affect listening skills.

How to overcome common listening challenges

Here are some tips for active listening are listed below:

1. Keep on managing your emotions.
2. Listen to the speaker with empathy.
3. Always try to ask open-ended questions.
4. Allow the speaker to finish the talk before you respond.
5. Be patient, don’t interrupt, and avoid jumping to conclusions.
6. Listen more and talk less to understand the speaker’s perspective.
7. Give your 100% attention to the speaker’s words and nonverbal cues.

Active listening is one of the secrets to unlocking your potential

In summary, active listening is a significant communication skill that improves understanding, trust, and healthier relationships. It also demonstrates respect and empathy toward each other, which is a key factor, especially in the workplace.

About the authors

Darja is a Behavioural Scientist and Customer Success Manager. She holds a Master’s in Social Sciences from the University of Helsinki, specialising in business anthropology and organisational psychology. She is also working on service and product development.

Pooja specialises in developing content that enhances leadership skills and promotes effective team management. With a strong focus on personal growth and organisational success, she’s passionate about exploring strategies that empower leaders to inspire, motivate, and guide their teams toward achieving common goals.