ProdPod: Episode 11 -- Power Productivity Through Active Listening

This episode is a series of quick tips I've gathered over time for power productivity through active listening. We have so many forms of communication available to us today. Technology keeps improving and with a globally-connected, 24/7 society, you could easily have engaging conversations 'round the clock. With all this capacity and experience with digital communication technologies, it makes sense that some of our interpersonal skills will change or need refreshing, like active listening. This episode is a series of quick tips I've gathered over time for power productivity through active listening. 1. Ask more questions than giving declarative statements, then stop talking and listen to the answers being given. You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish when you let others do and say more. 3. Ask clarifying questions to let your speaker know you're listening and engaged. 4. When possible, make eye contact and pay attention to body language. 5. Repeat back what is said in your own words, so the speaker knows you listened and understood what was said. This is also an opportunity for her to clarify in case you haven't. 6. Once you have mastered the art of active listening. Teach it to others. Pay it forward. As the old adage goes, if you teach something you learn it twice, plus it will save you time and hassle in the future. 2. Hearing is a sense. Listening is an active process. Develop your skills for listening not just hearing.