Reply To: Week 2 : Listening skills

[Alex Zayar Phyo Aung]

One area of my listening skills that I would like to improve is to give full attention during conversations especially when I am managing multiple tasks. Sometime I am listening in silent mode but my brain is running over the other job intentionally. This happened when I am fully occupied with several works.
Why This Is Important: Effective listening is essential for strong collaboration and building trust in working environment. By improving my listening skills, I can enhance my ability to understand others’ perspectives, respond more thoughtfully, and create a more supportive and communicative environment.
Actions to Improve:
1. Practice Active Listening: Make a conscious effort to focus entirely on the speaker, resisting the urge to plan responses or let my mind drift. This can include maintaining eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and asking clarifying questions when necessary.
2. Limit Distractions: In situations where I know I’ll need to listen intently, I will minimize distractions, such as silencing my phone or closing unrelated documents on my computer, to be fully engaged in the conversation.
3. Take Brief Pauses Before Responding: Instead of responding immediately, I will take a brief pause to ensure I have fully absorbed what the other person has said. This small adjustment can help reinforce understanding and make the conversation more productive.
By implementing these actions, I hope to build stronger, more collaborative relationships and become a more effective communicator.