The ability to listen is something we all have in some guise, but how well do you actually do it?
Be honest.
When someone is speaking to you, do you really listen to what they’re saying or are you running through your to-do list in your mind whilst they’re speaking?
The ability to listen properly is arguably one of the most important skills you posses. It’s far more important than being able to give great advice or being able to say the right thing, at the right time. Sometimes when someone is struggling with stress, anxiety and depression, or simply feeling like they need to get something off their chest, they don’t want advice or kind words, they just want someone to listen.
Real listening is referred to as 'active listening’. This means you use several different signs to help you put together the real picture. For instance, you’ll watch their body language, you’ll listen to how they’re speaking, whether they’re speaking fast, slow, stumbling over their words or muttering. You’ll also look at whether they’re able to make eye contact or whether they go out of their way to avoid it.
These are all pieces of a larger puzzle that active listening can help you put together.
Check out this video for a few tips.
When it comes to helping someone who is struggling with a mental health related issue, such as stress or depression, the most helpful thing you can usually do is to let them talk and really listening. Allow them to see that you’re listening to them and taking what they say on board. It won’t cure the problem, probably, but it will go a long way to helping them feel better and over time, it could be a real catalyst for improvement.
Mental health in the workplace is something we all need to be more mindful of. When you’re sitting at your office desk day in, day out, it's very easy for workplace stress to become an issue, alongside other potential problems, such as conflict. Encouraging colleagues to support one another and listen when they need to do so, could be all it takes to improve a situation that needs some attention.
You might assume you’re a great listener, but we can all improve. Take some time to watch the video above and really focus on how you can help those around you a little more.