Active listening is the intentional practice of not just hearing the words spoken, but observing non-verbal messages that are being sent and providing appropriate feedback to show attentiveness and understanding.
By completing this activity and returning to it again in the future, you can make active listening a powerful habit.
Activities to Boost Active Listening
Use the list of possible activities below to help brainstorm actions you’ll take in the upcoming week:
- While you're having a conversation, stop yourself from looking at your smartphone when a notification goes off.
- Monitor and note how much time you spend talking versus listening.
- Seek additional information before responding (e.g., “Tell me more” or “What else?”)
- In meetings, let everyone else give their ideas and opinions before you share your own.
- Practice positive body language with good eye contact and leaning slightly forward; uncross your arms and legs.
- Paraphrase and summarize what you believe the other person is communicating to make sure you fully understand.
- Be silent longer; don’t jump to fill the silence in conversations.
Reflect!
After completing this activity, consider leaving a reflection in the LEADx app using the Coaching Plan Activity “Reflect” button.
