The Power of Deep Listening in a World of Distractions
Did you know that we speak at a rate of approximately 125 words per minute, but our brains have the capacity to process between 800 to 1000 words in that same amount of time? Additionally, the modern workplace bombards us with constant distractions making it even more challenging to maintain focus during conversations. Whether it's the incessant ping of emails, a stream of Slack messages, or taking stock of looming responsibilities, these interruptions disrupt not only our own concentration but also the flow of communication with others.
It’s no wonder that our brain, even with its ample processing power, often wanders off to other thoughts and we easily fall into the trap of hearing without truly listening.
This is why the practice of not only active, but deep listening becomes more important than ever. Mastering the art can be the differentiator between good and great leadership in the workplace, but it requires deliberate intent and consistent practice.
Active Listening vs Deep Listening
You know doubt will have heard of active listening - a listening technique using nonverbal cues, practicing empathy, asking clarifying questions, and avoiding interruptions. It encourages engagement and understanding between individuals by focusing on the speaker's words and providing feedback. Active listening is a crucial foundation for good listening but to become great you need to go deeper. Deep listening transcends active listening practices by delving into a deeper level of connection and understanding. It requires us to pay attention to the emotions, motivations, and unspoken nuances beneath the surface.
Benefits of Deep Listening
Ultimately, deep listening is not just a skill - it's a catalyst for creating thriving workplace cultures where individuals feel empowered to contribute their best and work together towards shared success. This is done through creating a culture of understanding, connection, collaboration, and facilitating relationship-building within teams where team members feeling heard, valued, and respected, leading to higher levels of trust and psychological safety. This, in turn, enhances employee engagement, morale, productivity and innovation by encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering open dialogue. By truly understanding the needs, concerns, and aspirations of their colleagues, leaders can make more informed decisions that align with the collective goals of the team and organisation.
How to practice deep listening
Oscar Trimboli, a leading expert in deep listening, offers invaluable guidance for leaders to deepen their listening skills. His concept of deep listening involves silencing the noise in our minds, cultivating stillness, and immersing ourselves fully in the speaker's world.
Here are 5 ways that Trimboli suggests we can practice the art of deep listening:
1. Silence the Noise: Trimboli emphasises the importance of quieting the mind and silencing the internal chatter that can distract us from truly listening. This involves letting go of preconceptions, biases, and distractions to create mental space for focused attention on the speaker.
2. Cultivate Stillness: Deep listening requires not just external silence but also inner stillness. Trimboli suggests cultivating a sense of calm and presence within oneself, allowing for a deeper connection with the speaker and their message. By quieting the mind and being fully present, we can better tune into the nuances and subtleties of communication.
3. Immerse Yourself: To truly understand the speaker's perspective, Trimboli encourages immersing yourself fully in their world. This involves empathising with their emotions, experiences, and motivations, even if they differ from our own. By stepping into the speaker's shoes, we can foster a deeper connection and appreciation for their point of view.
4. Listen for Impact: Deep listening is not just about hearing words; it's about understanding the impact of those words on the speaker and their intended message. Trimboli advises paying attention to the emotional resonance behind the words, as well as the broader implications of what is being communicated.
5. Create Space for Reflection: Trimboli suggests allowing moments of silence and reflection during conversations to process what has been said. This gives both the listener and the speaker an opportunity to digest the information, reflect on its significance, and respond thoughtfully. Creating space for reflection fosters deeper engagement and understanding in the dialogue.
By consistently incorporating these practices into our listening habits, we can cultivate the art of deep listening and unlock its transformative power in our interactions with others. To find out more about deep listening, we recommend these books by Oscar Trimboli or listening to his podcast.
