September 1, 2025
Think you’re a good listener? Research shows that most of us overestimate our listening skills.
Effective listening isn’t about staying silent, nodding your head, and repeating what you heard.
The best listeners:
*️⃣ Create active, two-way dialogues with thoughtful questions that promote discovery
*️⃣ Build the speaker’s self-esteem by creating a safe environment
*️⃣ Offer valuable suggestions that open alternative paths to consider
Great listeners function more like trampolines than sponges – they don’t just absorb information but amplify, energize, and clarify the speaker’s thinking.
The highest form of listening happens across six progressive levels:
1️⃣ Creating a safe environment for difficult conversations
2️⃣ Eliminating distractions and focusing full attention
3️⃣ Genuinely understanding the essence of what’s being communicated
4️⃣ Observing non-verbal cues and body language
5️⃣ Recognizing and validating emotions and feelings
6️⃣ Asking clarifying questions that help reframe perspectives
As a Tech Leader, what level are you currently operating at in your professional conversations?
https://hbr.org/2016/07/what-great-listeners-actually-do
