At some point, we have all been guilty of pretending to pay attention to a conversation while being entirely mentally checked out. Considering the fact that research suggests that we only remember between 25% and 50% of what we hear, this isn’t too surprising. However, being a disengaged listener is detrimental to relationships and can be the nail in the coffin of productivity in a business environment. Practicing active listening across your organization is crucial to fostering a workplace culture that sparks creativity and innovation. 

Active listening involves giving a person your full attention, using verbal and nonverbal cues, and promoting respect and understanding. It offers significant business benefits and enables enriched communication, teamwork, and informed decision-making. As society evolves and the way we interact and work continues to change, leaders must find more dynamic and comfortable ways to support their employees and cultivate a company culture where they feel seen, heard, and appreciated – even from a distance. 

Especially in remote work settings, it can be challenging for leaders to be good listeners. Picking up on nonverbal cues via video chat is difficult, and so is demonstrating that you are actively listening. However, complicated does not mean impossible, and there are several ways that you can show your team you are interested and engaged in what they have to say. To practice active listening, start by: 

• • Maintaining eye contact. Show the person speaking that you are not only hearing them but intently listening by making eye contact. This shows that you find what they say valuable – and can be done just as easily in person as on a computer screen.
  • Taking time to connect. Find common ground to bond with the other person and offer reflective responses. By doing so, you not only fortify the connection but can gain a deeper understanding and increase your chances of remembering details by paraphrasing the information.
  • Minimizing distractions. It is especially vital in remote work settings to create an environment free from interruptions or diversions, allowing you to focus entirely on the speaker. 

Regardless of the situation or space, communication is always key. Working at an expanding global company like PQE Group, our team members must learn to adapt and navigate diverse landscapes to fulfill our mission and objectives. By continuously working to respect and understand each other, we have created an atmosphere of effective cross-cultural communication that breaks down barriers and encourages inclusivity.

Effective communication skills are essential whether you are in marketing, sales, or any facet of an organization. Achieving exceptional customer service and products is possible with cohesive collaboration, which requires a team of active listeners. Together, we must listen to understand our team and customers’ inherent needs to uncover pain points and discover transformative solutions. 

Language is one of the primary outlets through which we communicate, and the methods we use to do so should not be taken lightly. Active listening is a catalyst and first step for improved business relationships and outcomes. By actively listening, we can cultivate genuine understanding, enhance operational efficiency, and enable informed decision-making based on comprehensive insights.