At its core, active listening is about being fully present in the conversation. It means giving your undivided attention to the speaker, focusing on their words, tone, and body language, and avoiding distractions.
Being fully present in a conversation signals to your team that they have your complete attention. This level of engagement helps build trust and ensures that you accurately understand their message. It also fosters a supportive environment where team members feel heard and respected.
Take Action: For the rest of the day, during all conversations you have, physically show that you are giving your undivided attention by turning away from your laptop or workstation. You'll be amazed how often this comes up.
Learn more ways to help your team know their thoughts are valued here.