Relationship Tip:
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We probably all know someone like this: someone we can always go to, who asks great questions, who understands us well, who makes us feel heard. They’re someone who is a great listener.
In any healthy relationship, listening well to the other person is essential. When you are a good listener, you build trust, respect, and communication. Here are some tips for being a good listener. (Sound too intimidating? Pick one tip to work on at a time and once you have a good grasp of it, pick another).
- Be patient. Give the other person more than enough time to say all that they need to.
- Don’t rush to make a judgement, but be open to the other person’s point of view.
- Don’t rush to offer a solution. Many times, people just want to be heard, not fixed.
- Don’t rush to respond. Instead of thinking what to say next, just listen.
- Ask questions to dive deeper or make sure you understood what they said.
- Repeat back what the other person is saying: this affirms to them you are listening.
- ‘Listen’ to what someone isn’t saying - what’s the emotion behind their words, or what is their body language saying?
- Manage your emotions and don’t have an outburst while the other person is talking.
- If appropriate, follow up after the conversation is over and show the other person you still care.
Who is a great listener in your life? Send them a message or call today to let them know how much you appreciate that about them.