Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Gerald Moore/Workforce Development Team

CHARLESTON, S.C. – When listening to others on the job, are you ensuring they have shared their complete thoughts about the work-related issue?  Are you giving yourself time to think about your answer?  Do you lean in to show interest in what your co-workers or your boss has to say to you?

In part two of our blog series, Listening Is an Important Soft Skill, we explore in-depth how you can become a better listener and actively listen in the workplace.

Here are 10 tips to help you become a better listener:

  1. Engage yourself
  2. Be empathetic
  3. Do not judge
  4. Ask clarifying questions
  5. Pause before replying
  6. Face the speaker
  7. Make eye contact
  8. Remain attentive
  9. Keep an open mind
  10. Pay attention to non-verbal clues

Asking questions also shows you are effectively listening.  Use the questions you ask to probe further into what your boss or co-worker tells you.  Remember perception is everything.  A non-verbal communication can deliver the wrong message.  Make sure subtle body clues are showing you are paying attention and actively listening.

Active listening is the ability to focus and ‘be present’ completely with the person speaking, to understand their message, to comprehend the information being conveyed and to respond thoughtfully.

The article Active Listening Skills: Definition and Examples provides further information on active listening, why it is important in the workplace, and several of examples of it.

Improving as an employee includes becoming a better listener.  When your boss or your co-workers want to talk, be open to what is being discussed with you.  Never be too busy to listen to them.  Recognize their point of view.  Repeat what they have said in your own words for clarity.  Employees, including you, want full attention. Make sure you focus on the speaker talking to you. Everyone wants to be heard and understood.  Practice to become a better listener to more effectively communicate with personnel in the workplace.

With a little bit of practice and self-patience, you will be ready to take on the next steps in your future career.  If you would like more information about how to apply for jobs online, assistance in finding resources, tips on how to get the job-hunting process started or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat, or text. Remember, you are not alone.