POSITIVE HABITS FOR ENGAGED LISTENING

Here are some positive habits engaged listeners adopt—and the benefits they reap:

BEHAVIOR BENEFIT HELPS PREVENT...

MAKE EYE CONTACT Shows you’re focused and not …your employee from feeling you’re
distracted. not interested.

NOD & LIMIT AUTOMATIC Attentive body language …your employee from feeling
VERBAL SOUNDS demonstrates you’re engaged in hurried. Unconscious verbal
what the other person is saying. prompts, such as “uh-huh, uh-huh,”
And being quiet gives the person may inadvertently make your
time to fully complete their thought. employee feel you’re impatient.

CHECK FOR CLARIFICATION Helps you get clear on facts …you from giving misguided input
and details. Demonstrates you’re based on incomplete understanding.
following what’s been said.

PAUSE FOR SILENCE Gives the speaker a moment to …you from missing some nuance
reflect. Giving this conversational because you’ve jumped in to solve,
“space” allows an employee to advise, or direct.
suggest their own solution.

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