b'Four Listening Skills Crucial forLeaders understand them correctly. If you get it wrong, this gives the individual an opportunity to clarify.It is no surprise listening is ranked as the most important oral communication skill in the workplace. When leadersListen for the relationship and the content. Listening listen well, employees feel valued and engaged, are moreinvolves your connection with the other person (relationship) satisfied with their job and report greater levels ofand the information he or she is communicating (content). psychological safety, according to Harvard BusinessMany people tend to lean toward one of those when listen-Review.ing, so it is important to find a balance. Listen with empathy and understanding to build trust in the relationship, but be Harvard Business Review shares the following techniquesready to ask tough questions and discuss next steps regarding to help you become a better listener.the content. Listen for values. When someone is talking to you, it is Listen until the end. It is crucial to be fully presenta chance to learn more about and understand what is im-when you are listening. When someone else is talking,portant to the individual. This involves building your intui-people often plan what to say while the other person istion and perception skills when listening. Understanding how still speaking or interrupt with a solution or similar story.peoples values affect their behavior in the workplace can be If you find you are prone to this behavior, pause andan amazing leadership skill because values often influence remind yourself to listen until the end. Once the otherwhat situations we perceive as challenging and how we re-person finishes, take a moment to think about what youspond to them. If you understand how and why your direct have heard before responding. The person you arereports might respond to a situation, you can use that insight listening to will likely appreciate a slower, moreto help them solve problems and be successful. thoughtful response. Listen to summarizenot solve. Are you listening to solve or to understand? It can be tempting for leaders to try to solve every problem, but it is important to first focus on understanding the big picture. When the other person has finished speaking, reflect on what you have heard and summarize what they said to confirm you 6'