“In order to communicate we must first be able to hold a conversation. In order to hold a conversation we must first be able to listen with intention.”
Rachel Bee, Developmental Coach | Family Therapist | Executive Coach
The three levels of listening
- Level 1 Listening: This is the most basic level of listening, where you simply hear the words that are being spoken but are distracted by your own thoughts. These thoughts could be about the conversation or something completely different like work emails, TikTok or preparing the next meeting.
- Level 2 Listening: This level of listening involves actively engaging with the speaker and taking in what they are saying. This could include asking relevant questions, providing feedback, at this level you are focused on what is being said.
- Level 3 Listening: This is the highest level of listening and is when you use your knowledge and past experiences to fully understand everything that is being said to you. This involves watching their body language, listening to the tone of voice and acknowledging the words they say.
You may have heard this called ‘Active Listening’:
Active listening is a communication technique that is used to show that you are paying attention to the speaker and to help better understand them. It involves listening to the speaker without interrupting, providing feedback to demonstrate understanding, and asking open-ended questions to clarify any confusion. Active listening also involves being mindful of both verbal and non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, to ensure that the conversation is productive and meaningful.
Here are 3 steps to creating better listening in your workplace:
- Start by establishing clear expectations. Make sure everyone in the conversation understands how to listen to others.
- Create an environment conducive to Level 3 Listening. Set aside a designated space for conversations and discussions, and remove distractions.
- Encourage everyone to practice active listening. Make sure to give each other your full attention, and be open to hearing different perspectives. Additionally, ask questions to better understand what the other person is saying, and repeat back what you hear to ensure clarity.
By following these steps, you can create an environment where all voices can be heard and respected.
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