5 Steps for Using the Number One Tool I Recommend to Leaders

No matter what level a person is in an organization, I have found one tool to be universally important to help build relationships, garner trust, gain insight, coach others, be strategic and more.  It is…

**Active Listening**  

When I first discuss active listening with clients, many are surprised to learn it is more than just hearing someone, and once they use it, they are always blown away at the results. Here are the key components of effective active listening.  

1. Body Language and Engagement

Whether in person or on video, body language sends a message to the other person that you are listening and care about what they are saying.  This includes things like eye contact, nodding and leaning toward the person you are listening to. Note taking is great, but if you are constantly looking down, it’s likely getting in the way of effective active listening.

2. Ask Open Ended Questions

Most people tend to frame questions in a binary manner (aka closed ended questions that require yes or no answers). These questions often limit discussion and get in the way of deeper conversation. Think about framing questions beginning with “what” or “how”.  I recommend staying away from “why” questions as they often put people on the defensive.  

3.  Refrain from Judgement

Another key to active listening is refraining from judgement - whether it is baked into the question you ask or the tone of your voice.  People are more willing to engage if they don’t feel negatively judged.  Remaining curious and neutral is a great alternative.  

4.  Play Back What You Hear

Playback is vital to active listening. It signals to the other person that you are hearing and processing what they are saying (rather than getting stuck in your own head or being distracted by something external). I recommend using as many of their words as possible.

5. Invite More Information 

Following up a playback with another open-ended question is very effective at going deeper in the conversation.  I recommend having a few of those questions written down and easily accessible until they become more natural. For example, questions like, “Tell me more about X…”

I hope you will be inspired by this post to use active listening to level-up your leadership.  If you do, I am confident that not only will you benefit from it, so will your colleagues.

To learn how I help leaders accelerate their career growth, be more strategic and increase their effectiveness through executive coaching, message me in LI or go to my website at allardconsultinggroup.com.