Listen Up: 5 Tips to Level Up Your Listening

Your phone.
Your grocery list.
Your next thought.
Your justification.

When you're really listening, these things shouldn't even be on your radar.

However, according to a 2023 Harvard Business Review article:

• Studies show that people are distracted, forgetful, or preoccupied 75% of the time when listening. 
• Less than 2% of the worldwide population has received formal education on listening effectively
• Research points to a “crisis in listening” as organizations spend 80% of their corporate communication resources on speaking.”
  

Listening well is like giving a gift.

But possessing the skill of a great listener is a rare gift, in itself; and if you're leading a team, good listening isn't just nice to have—it's essential. It builds trust, fosters understanding, and opens the door to genuine collaboration. In our fast-paced world, where everyone seems to be juggling multiple tasks and opinions, the ability to listen—truly listen—is more valuable than ever.

So how do we practice listening well?

Here are five tips to level up your listening:

1. Ditch the Distractions.
   First things first, get rid of anything that could steal your focus. Phones? Put them on silent and out of sight. A quick glance or a buzz can scream, "I'm not really listening." And when you're out and about, try to sit where you won't be constantly watching people walk by. Trust me, it helps.
   
   
2. Body Language Counts.
   Don't just sit there like a statue. Lean in, make eye contact, nod along, and let your face reflect the conversation. It's like saying "I'm with you" without uttering a word.
   
   
3. Be Curious, Not Just Polite.
   Don't just wait for your turn to speak. Dive in with questions that show you're really trying to get where they're coming from. It's about understanding, not just waiting to make your point.
   
   
4. Play it Back.
   Nodding and smiling is helpful, but only the beginning. Make sure you're actually processing what you’re hearing. Try repeating back what you've heard in your own words. Something like, "So, you're saying..." It's a great way to ensure you're on the same page.
   
   
5. Guide, Don't Preach.
   Resist the urge to jump in with answers. Instead, help them sort out their own thoughts. Ask how you can support them, rather than dishing out unsolicited advice. It shows you respect their ability to figure things out.

Listening well is more than just hearing words. It's about getting into another’s shoes and truly understanding their perspective, their challenges, and their aspirations. The result? Feeling heard, understood, and supported.

Great leaders aren’t just great talkers. Give the gift of good listening. It's one of the best things you can do.

And who knows? The gift might circle back to you. 

About Lindsay Harris and Leader Haven:

A Positive Intelligence Coach(TM) and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, Lindsay established Leader Haven to help leaders rediscover joy and dismantle dysfunction. An acclaimed speaker and coach, Lindsay finds her joy and energy sharing tools and expertise that increase productivity, give teams renewed trust and collaboration, and empower leaders with confidence, hope, and fulfillment.