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Ever had a conversation with someone who seems distracted or switches conversations in the middle of the discussion. How does that make you feel? Probably not very good. Seems like what you’ve got to say isn’t that important.

One of the best ways to build relationships and to avoid conflict is to actively listen to what the other person has to say. This skill is critical for successfully dealing with people, whether it is a client, an employee, a peer, a customer, or a supplier. Actively listening to another person says that you care about what they have to say. It can help build trust and enhance relationships.

Active listening involves skills that can be learned. The three skills that show active listening are:

• Attending behaviours
• Using open questions
• Paraphrasing

These skills are taught and practiced in our Effective Communications program. Over the next few weeks, I’ll share details about each of these skills.

Why are communication skills important to your company?

Because sending and receiving information is critical for success. Surveys show that people with enhanced communication skills are more successful in business and in life. There are fewer misunderstandings, and conflict. People with excellent communication skills are promoted to higher levels of responsibility. Customer satisfaction improves with better communication skills. Employees are better able to convey information details and to clarify and understand what customers need. With increased communication through social media and the written or texted word, face-to-face communication skills suffer.

Have you had a misunderstanding lately? Think of the last conflict you had. Could active listening have changed the outcome? Share your thoughts in the comments section and stayed tuned for more,

Joanne

2/5 Attending behaviours,    3/5 Using open questions,    4/5 Paraphrasing,    5/5 Conclusion