Most of us know the importance of listening to each other, and many probably think that they do it well, but is this belief real? Is it possible to improve active listening? Next, we will explain the benefits of listening and what we can do to develop that skill.
What is active listening? This term was coined by Carl Rogers, an American psychologist, when he developed some of the most important aspects of his interpersonal theory in 1942; since then, the term has expanded its meaning and has been applied in most areas.
- Active listening is an act we do voluntarily; Therefore.
- It requires our attention and intent.
- It is a learning experience and.
- As such.
- Can be improved.
- Trained and acquired.
- Like any other.
- As this requires our participation.
- Is a fact that requires effort and concentration.
- We’re not talking about passive activity.
Scientists Roger and Farson (1979) describe active listening as the quality of making changes in the lives of others, as well as generating trust, closeness, security, and empathy with others, all part of that fundamental tool, although science reports that only people remember 10 to 25% of everything they hear.
Listening is focusing on the other, the one who has decided to share their experience, their life or their problems with you, listening requires effort, it is not an easy task, so we have to decide when we want or can actively listen to the other.
When we launch this tool, we must silence the voices that exist in us, we must eliminate remorse, guilt, haste, nerves, to dedicate ourselves 100% to listening.
Active listening requires understanding, but not an answer. His own listening encourages the other to keep talking. Someone who feels heard receives an invitation to continue, an incentive to open up and share with others what bothers them, listening to the other also requires patience and that’s why it’s part of the work we can do to outdo ourselves as people.
There are barriers to active listening, some of the most important are:
The most basic keys to improve active listening are
Remember that we were all born with ears, but we cannot listen, active listening can be learned and trained, but it requires goodwill, the advantage of feeling heard is what should motivate you to improve that skill.