Listening: An Essential Skill for Building Meaningful Connections

Adapted from a soft skills workshop led by Tanuja Ramchal

The difference between hearing and listening is that hearing is involuntary, whereas listening is voluntary, focused and intentional. The essence of listening is not that you agree with someone; it's that you fully, deeply understand that person on an emotional and intellectual level - you’re making a connection. 

The benefits of this in the workplace include greater productivity, increased trust, faster progress toward goals and more congenial relationships.

Listening requires awareness - being in the moment and letting go of any thoughts and assumptions running through your head about the person and what he/she is saying.

Observe yourself in a conversation…

• Is it easy or hard for you to be in the moment?
• Is your mind on this conversation or are you thinking of other things or what you are going to say?

Furthermore, be genuine and courteous when you interact with others. If you need to leave, state that in a kind way. You could also offer to talk at a later time.

Here are some tips to improve your listening skills:

• Replace your judgments with curiosity by asking questions to get clarification
• Support the speaker by making eye contact and indicating that you understand what they’re saying
• Go beyond the words and pay attention to tone, posture, and other non-verbal cues
• Remove distractions, such as phones
• Avoid interrupting the person - let them finish
• Be okay with silence
• Acknowledge you don’t have all the answers
• Don’t rush to give advice - understand the context fully
• Be open to learning

Once you listen with your ears, eyes, and heart, you will become a better communicator and build more meaningful connections.  

How do you want people to feel after they walk away from a conversation with you? Be intentional about creating that. It takes practice!

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If you want to develop your awareness, have fun, and connect authentically with others, the weekly GCMC Soft Skills Workshops will help you overcome your fears and be more confident in your professional life. It's scheduled for Monday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. in June and July. You can register in CareerLink. Space is limited.