What is active listening?
Active listening is the act of listening to others in a respectful, attentive manner that withholds judgements and biases. Given that listening is one of the most important tools that we have at our disposal, it’s important that we learn how to use it effectively and for our own benefit. A lot of our time is spent listening to various sources therefore it would be understandable to think that we’re good at it, however, research suggests that only 25-50% of what is said to us, and indeed what we say to others, is absorbed and remembered.
This is an incredibly low number given how much new information we are exposed to every day. Bumping this number up can help you in a wide range of sectors in your life, with some benefits including your improved productivity, ability to negotiate and persuade, as well as the chance to avoid conflicts. All of these and more can be achieved through good, active listening.