Lesson 2.2 – Active Listening
Many people believe communication is mainly about speaking clearly. However, effective communication also depends on listening.
Active listening is the practice of giving full attention to the person speaking and trying to understand their perspective.
What is active listening?
Active listening involves focusing completely on the speaker rather than thinking about your response while they are talking.
Key elements of active listening
- Maintaining eye contact
- Avoiding interruptions
- Asking clarifying questions
- Summarising what you heard
- Showing empathy and understanding
Why active listening matters
When employees feel heard, they are more likely to share ideas, report problems early, and collaborate with others.
Listening also helps leaders understand the challenges their teams are experiencing.
Workplace Example
An employee approaches a manager to explain that they are struggling with their workload.
A poor listening response might be: “Everyone is busy. Just manage your time better.”
An active listening response might be: “Tell me more about what tasks are taking the most time. Let’s look at how we can prioritise your workload.”
The second response shows respect and encourages open communication.
Key takeaway
Leaders who listen carefully build stronger relationships and gain better insight into their team’s needs.
Practice Activity
Think about a recent conversation where someone shared a concern with you.
- Did you listen fully before responding?
- Did you ask questions to understand their perspective?
- What could you do differently next time?