If you have ever felt misunderstood, it may be that people are not listening to you. But before you point a finger at them, take some time to think about whether you are any better at this key leadership skill.
We all want to be heard and understood. Knowing that the people in our lives care about us is very important. Listening - it's much more important than simply hearing - is a skill that is highly underrated.
But, when applied, it can contribute significantly to improved communication. Experts say about 75 per cent of oral communication is ignored, misunderstood or quickly forgotten. No wonder there is so much misunderstanding in the world.
Someone who's an active listener will encourage the speaker to talk, try to clarify any points they don't understand, and be sure they're aware of the speaker's intent.
Techniques
Here are some active listening skills you can use to improve your communication: