Listening well is always a challenge, even in the most ideal circumstances. But when you throw a remote environment into the mix, listening and understanding become even more critical. In our fast-paced world, the art of listening has become a must-have skill.
It is easy to rush through conversations, especially when so many demands are on our plates. But when you pause and truly listen, you open the door to deeper connections, greater understanding, and a more collaborative work environment.
Listening isn’t just about hearing words; it is about capturing the intent and emotions and ensuring someone feels valued.
When you feel genuinely heard, you are more engaged, energized, motivated, and committed and feel your voice is valued.
Great listeners do several things to demonstrate they are listening and connecting on a deeper level, especially in a remote environment. Here is how you can do the same:
Make the person speaking feel safe to express their thoughts without fear of judgment. Approach every conversation with an open mind, free of assumptions, so their perspectives feel valued.
In a remote conversation, your presence is everything. Maintain eye contact and use affirming body language, like nodding or leaning forward. Be attentive to nonverbal cues and recognize if the speaker’s body language accurately represents their emotions. Sometimes, what isn’t said speaks volumes.
Avoid multi-tasking as it is an enemy of effective listening. Close windows on your computer, silence your phone and be mindful of anything else that could distract you from letting someone know the time you spend with them matters.
Strong listeners know the power of a well-timed question. Rather than only listening quietly, ask questions that encourage greater thinking and show you are engaged in the conversation.
Mirroring what someone says isn’t about repetition but confirmation. This allows you to demonstrate that you are on the same page while also showing that you value their perspective. It is important to create a two-way dialogue rather than a one-way speech.
When the time is right, offer effective feedback that will help someone grow. Ask questions to help guide them to uncover their own solutions, empowering them in the process.
It has been said that listening is more powerful than speaking when influencing others. The Journal of Research in Personalities notes that “those who listen well may reap both information and relational benefits that make them more influential.”
By listening with intention, you gain valuable insight into their needs, challenges, and goals. This gives you a peek inside their world and provides an understanding of how to best connect with them for successful outcomes.
The Dalai Lama wisely said, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” Become the leader who listens, whether in a remote environment or in person, to effectively show others that you value them.