Give me 2 mins and I'll teach you how to listen (to understand vs. to respond):
1/ Engage to understand.
↳Eye contact shows you're right there with them.
↳Small nods and "uh-huh" demonstrate engagement.
↳When your mind drifts, bring it back to listening.
2/ Connect heart-to-heart.
↳Watch their body language and tone to get their feelings.
↳Sharing your feelings makes a safe space.
↳Avoid judging or jumping into giving advice.
3/ Remove distractions: they are all that matters.
↳Distance yourself from phones and devices and put them on silence.
↳Choose a quiet spot.
↳Stay in the now, gently ignore wandering thoughts.
4/ Embrace Quiet: Silence holds the key to understanding.
↳Resist the urge to interrupt silence.
↳Reflect during quiet times.
↳Patience lets them share at their pace.
5/ Lean on Curiosity: Be eager to learn their story.
↳Every chat is a chance to discover new things.
↳Ask to uncover their true thoughts and feelings.
↳Prompt more details with "What happened next?"
6/ Reflect Their Reality: Show you get them inside and out.
↳Summarize their points in your own words.
↳Recognize their feelings with empathy.
↳Ask to clarify vs. assuming.
These tips are based on Patrick King's 'How to Listen with Intention' and brought to you by Omar's Desk.
PS: When you listen, it's about showing you care and hear them, not that you agree with everything they are saying.
