How to Practice Deep Listening with Your Team

According to Harvard Business Review, the most effective listeners are like trampolines. To be specific, the individuals you can “bounce ideas off of.” Actively listening isn’t merely absorbing ideas. It’s about amplifying their voices, clarifying their thoughts, and seeking ways to support them.

Reflect on how to practice deep listening

Learning how to practice deep listening with your team is fundamental in developing and honing your communication skills. Start by simply taking a moment to reflect.

How is active listening different from listening?

Exercises to help you practice deep listening

Now, it's time to put your reflection into action. Finding opportunities to implement your communication skills can allow you to practice deep listening with your team.

• Be comfortable sitting in silence when the speaker is talking. Instead of interjecting to show you’re listening, keep eye contact, lean in, and nod occasionally.
• Avoid planning out your next response. Consider asking insightful questions about parts that may need clarification. For example, “What do you mean when you say…”
• Restate what you’ve heard from the conversation instead of reacting. After the speaker is finished, respond with, “If I’m hearing you correctly...” or “Sounds like you’re saying…”

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