Let's chat!
Active listening is when we allow gestures and facial expression to all be part of the meaningful communication process. Passive listening is at the other end of the communication spectrum. Simply a background auditory process or input that is received without any deep mental engagement analysis or intention to respond.
"Real listening isn't waiting for your turn to speak. It's giving someone your complete attention and making them feel understood."
With just sound we tend to be just going through the motions of subconscious behaviour which is the greatest percentage of behaviour the human being is involved with every day.
Active listening is conscious behavior and it's a time where you give your undivided attention beyond just hearing the words. It requires you to focus on intent, emotion and the meaning behind the words without the need for interruption.
The speaker therefore receives feedback that is nonverbal and allows them to have validation that they are being heard and understood.
What I think really is happening is during these critical meetings we have empathy. This is where we seek to understand the speaker's perspective without immediately judging or preparing our own reply. In these conversations the more we tend to learn and retain.
Of course, there are places where we just want to relax, where deep understanding is not required, but neither speaker or listener who really get a lot from that environment.
Today let’s concentrate on what we listen to. Let’s give attention to the speaker with eyes, gestures and energy. That is also not so easily done on the phone, but it is done when in person and changes everything.
