Active listening is one of the most important skills you can have in the workplace. Before a team can even begin to solve a problem, coworkers must be able to listen and communicate effectively. Active listening is a mindset as well as a behavior. It requires truly being open to the thoughts and ideas of others, and taking their ideas into consideration before passing judgment on them. As a manager, you should always strive to practice active listening and encourage your employees to do the same.
Here’s a helpful list of tips on how to practice effective active listening. You can hand it out to new hires, current employees, or other workplace leaders. To get an even better understanding of active listening, check out our specialized microlesson on the topic.