1. Communicate effectively
9. Active listening
Open your mind to what the person is saying and provide feedback to indicate that you have received the message and do understand what has been said.
Remain calm and in control, and show empathy for the other person who is speaking.
The following are active listening skills which will help you in your workplace and in your personal life (select each tab to learn more):
Step 1
Concentrated completely on what is being said
Step 2
Look at the person, maintain eye contact and show that there is interest
Step 3
Be quiet and do not interrupt or talk over the person talking
Step 4
Work out the message and be prepared to repeat back aspects of the message
Step 5
Use body language and gestures to show you are listening
An example of how active listening skills can be used in the workplace:
You would pay attention to what they are saying and repeat back in your own words to confirm that you have understood what they were saying.
This will also give them the opportunity to correct the information if you have misunderstood them.