Why Active Listening Is Important For Relationships!
One of the joyful facts of life is that various approaches can be used in different circumstances. In this blog post, active listening is the main topic and it is related to Project Management tasks. Our life contains many activities, which are fundamentally operations and projects, but most significantly, it includes people and relationships.
The information presented in this blog post can be useful for any type of group, whether it is a family, community, business, or government. The ideas are applicable regardless of the organizational structure.
Why Active Listening Matters? 🎯
Stephen R. Covey's well-known book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" outlines key principles for success. Two (2) notable habits are "begin with the end in mind," which means envisioning the desired outcome, and "seek first to understand, then to be understood," emphasizing the importance of listening before speaking.
As a Project Manager, I must identify my clients' goals and comprehend their current situation and motivations, as I uncover key details to incorporate into the Project Plan. I need to understand my clients' needs and perspectives before proposing solutions, and listening is foundational to effective Project Management.
Thus, Active Listening reveals crucial information to drive the project's Direction and Strategy.
How To Practice Active Listening? đź§
We can likely agree that Active Listening is an ability, though we may differ on the specifics and details of that ability. Listening is part of communication, and there are subtle communication barriers we should be conscious of, to enable better and more effective communication, while recognizing that Communication Management is incorporated into Project Management.
Each person has different Cognitive Biases and Personalities, which can impede one's Open-mindedness, Patience, and Inquisitiveness. The latter 3 conditions are necessary to practice active listening successfully, and they complement the proper attitudes and aptitudes of active listening.
How To Use Active Listening Tools? đź—Ł
When trying to understand the underlying cause(s) of a problem or goal with your audience, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is an investigative tool used for Active Listening. It simply involves asking "Why" after each response from your audience, at least 5 times.
I personally use my own active listening technique called FACE - Feedback by Asking while Clarifying and Empathizing.
• It involves asking open-ended questions and then waiting silently without prompting further responses.
• I clarify by repeating or rephrasing their responses as needed to confirm the Consistency, Clarity, and Completeness (the 3Cs) of what they said.
• I empathize by being aware that Emotions are influenced by Physical associations, Attention, Language, and Meaning (PALM).
Conclusion:
As we stroll through the diverse landscapes of our personal and professional endeavors, the significance of active listening becomes crystal clear. It's not just a skill; it's a game-changer that lights up every corner of our lives. So, whether you're navigating the intricacies of a work project or weaving the delicate threads of your personal connections, active listening is the compass that guides you to richer and more meaningful experiences. Get ready to sprinkle some active listening magic into your conversations! 🌟
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