The Importance of Interpersonal Communication (IC) – Part 2 Active Listening (AL)
A cornerstone of IC is AL as listening is the first act of communication. This week I will elaborate on the differences between listening and AL and the importance of AL.
What is AL vs listening?
Weger et al., (2014) state that “active listening involves restating a paraphrased version of the speaker’s message, asking questions when appropriate, and maintaining moderate to high nonverbal conversational involvement.”
Instead of focusing solely on one's viewpoint or preparing a response while the other person is speaking (listening), mindful individuals strive to genuinely understand the other person's perspective. This entails active listening with an open mind, suspending judgment, and paraphrasing to ensure accurate comprehension of the other person's concerns and emotions (Williams et al., 2011).
The Importance/Benefits of AL.
In today's fast-paced world, effective communication serves as the cornerstone for building meaningful connections, whether in personal or professional settings.
AL transcends merely hearing words; it entails fully immersing oneself in the speaker's message, comprehending their emotions, and responding with genuine thoughtfulness. To truly reap the rewards of AL, it's imperative to acquaint oneself with its advantages.
How can AL significantly impact your personal and professional growth?
Strengthening interpersonal relationships: AL fosters deeper connections by demonstrating genuine interest and understanding.
Enhancing emotional intelligence: By attuning oneself to others' emotions, AL nurtures emotional intelligence, leading to more empathetic interactions.
Improving communication skills: Through attentive listening and thoughtful responses, AL hones communication abilities, facilitating clearer exchanges.
Fostering a supportive environment: AL creates a safe space where individuals feel heard and valued, promoting collaboration and cooperation.
Building trust and empathy: By showing empathy and understanding, AL builds trust and strengthens bonds between individuals.
Enhancing conflict resolution skills: AL facilitates constructive conflict resolution by promoting understanding and finding common ground.
Boosting personal development: By actively engaging with others' perspectives and experiences, AL encourages personal reflection and growth.
Improving decision-making: Through comprehensive understanding and consideration of different viewpoints, AL enhances decision-making processes.
Nurturing a positive work environment: AL cultivates a culture of respect, openness, and supportiveness, contributing to a positive workplace atmosphere.
In short, Active Listening is not just a passive activity; it's a powerful tool that can profoundly impact various aspects of life, from relationships to professional success.
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