Back in November, we discussed the importance of making others feel heard. Here’s a related question: Do you listen … REALLY listen … to your colleagues, your friends, or even your own family?

All too often, many of us listen only to decide what we want to say next. Some even interrupt others so they can squeeze in a thought before they forget or the subject changes.

Active listening is a critical skill for educational leaders. As Amy Gallo explains, it requires developing a mental discipline that allows you to listen “purely for comprehension — without an agenda, distraction, or judgment.” It also means that you actively seek input from all of your constituents, regardless of their level, rank, or subjective importance.

Research by Weger, et al.* strongly suggests that those who engage in active listening are seen as more competent, likeable, and trustworthy by others. Active listening is also positively related to employees’ perceptions of support from their managers, which in turn predicts higher levels of job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

With results like that, the investment of time needed to improve your listening skills seems well worth the effort! And the article above provides several tips to get you started.

*Weger H., Castle B., Minei E, and Robinson C (2014). The Relative Effectiveness of Active Listening in Initial Interactions . International Journal of Listening, 28:1, 13-31.