Every employee in any organisation is a communicator. In the sense, whether the employee sends an email or presents or works on a spreadsheet, she/he is communicating. They represent the brand and are integral to the reputation of the company. What sets a corporate communicator apart is competencies related to strategic communications. One of them is that of ‘active listening.’
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, communication is no longer just about speaking eloquently or crafting compelling messages. The most critical skill that corporate communicators need to fine-tune is active listening.
What we do most of the time is hear and not listen.
Here is the key difference—active listening goes beyond hearing words; it involves understanding the underlying emotions, intentions, and perspectives of the speaker. It’s about being fully present, empathetic, and responsive. This skill is essential for building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful outcomes in the workplace.
In a world dominated by distractions—emails, notifications, and multitasking—active listening is a rare but invaluable skill. It fosters trust, enhances problem-solving, and ensures that teams feel heard and valued. For corporate communicators, this skill is particularly crucial when managing stakeholders, resolving conflicts, or driving organisational change.
Can active listening be taught?
Active listening is not taught in school or colleges. Nor do we receive any formal training for it. Hence, developing active listening as a habit isn’t easy. It requires intentional effort and consistent practice.
1. Start small – What James Clear emphasises in his popular book ‘Atomic Habits’ can be easily applied here. Begin with small, manageable changes. Instead of trying to become a perfect listener overnight, focus on tiny improvements. For example, during your next meeting, commit to listening without interrupting, even if it’s just for the first five minutes.
Tip: Use the “Two-Minute Rule” from Atomic Habits. Begin by practicing active listening for just two minutes in every conversation. Gradually increase the duration as the habit becomes ingrained.
2. Create your space for active listening – To become a better listener, eliminate distractions that hinder your focus. Turn off notifications, close your laptop, and maintain eye contact during conversations. By designing an environment that supports active listening, you make it easier to stay engaged.
Tip: Set a “listening zone” in your workspace—a dedicated area where you commit to being fully present during discussions.
3. Practice empathetic listening – Connect with the speaker’s emotions. Using techniques like paraphrasing and reflecting shows empathy. For instance, after someone speaks, summarise their points and acknowledge their feelings.
Tip: Use the “Echo Technique.” Repeat the last few words of the speaker’s sentence to show you’re engaged and encourage them to elaborate.
4. Make questions your best friend – Ask thoughtful questions. This demonstrates genuine interest and keeps the conversation flowing. Use open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How do you think we can address this challenge?”
Tip: Prepare two open-ended questions before every meeting or conversation to guide your listening.
5. Ask for feedback – Ask colleagues or team members for feedback on your listening skills. Are you interrupting too often? Do you seem distracted? Use this input to refine your approach.
Tip: Once a week, ask a trusted colleague, “How do you think I did as a listener in our last meeting?”
It takes time!
Do not expect there is a magic want that you can just wave and you will have all the skills you want! Developing active listening skills isn’t without challenges. Corporate communicators often juggle multiple responsibilities, making it hard to stay fully present.
You may try setting boundaries to protect your focus. For instance, block time in your calendar for deep work and avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings. This ensures you have the mental bandwidth to listen actively.
Active listening is a superpower for corporate communicators. It can build stronger relationships, enhance collaboration, and position you as a trusted advisor.
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