Active Listening Facts and Stats to Boost Productivity
Since the dawn of civilization, humans have applied effective communication in building cities and developing complex thoughts. Through constant and open communication comes collaboration, problem-solving, and progression. And at the core of quality conversations lies the art of active listening.
Modern workplace culture should feature active listening as a core prerequisite. Through active listening, leaders can better comprehend employee preferences and concerns to formulate organisational strategies that drive an engaged workforce.
Demystifying Active Listening
Active listening is the practice of giving full attention to a speaker. The process differs from passive listening, where listeners simply outline the speaker’s intentions or rush for their turn to speak. Active listening includes verbal and non-verbal cues, where listeners display interest (i.e., nodding the head, smiling, or affirmative responses), encouraging speakers to share further thoughts.
People Spend 55% of Their Time Listening
According to research, people spend most of their time listening but only retain 25% of the information received. Translated into organisational terms — leaders may be missing out on a large amount of valuable feedback through the limitations of conventional listening.
Active listening can significantly increase the information accrued in communication.
Through active listening, leaders can build stronger connections with the workforce and detect the issues and challenges faced long before they surface. Additionally, leaders will acquire more information from various employee perspectives to create a more substantial knowledge base that propels the organisation towards success.
Listeners get Distracted 75% of the Time
According to research, listeners tend to get distracted, forgetful, or preoccupied during communication. At the workplace, this could manifest in brushing off the urgent needs of an employee, missing out on crucial feedback, or ignoring the signs of disengagement and dissatisfaction.
Active listening enables listeners to concentrate on the subtlest notions conveyed by speakers and to respond tactfully, strengthening trust and nurturing professional relationships that last.
More Than 40% of People have More than One Listening Style
Various types of listening styles exist, which depend on a person’s immediate environment and company. Based on a 2003 finding, nearly half of all people alternate between two or more listening styles. Perhaps more interestingly, individuals tend to revert to a specific listening style in highly stressful situations.
Active listening provides leaders with greater awareness of their listening styles and better control of their reactions and responses during crises.
SoundWave Workshops offer participants immersive sessions that help identify and refine the various voices within them. By optimising each voice, individuals can gain better control in assessing tonality, body language, and active listening without guesswork.
With internal communication being a driving force in organisations, leaders should never ignore the risks of miscommunications, conflicts, and vagueness. Through active listening, leaders can have peace of mind, knowing that they gather and deliver every bit of information with the proper context.
With more than 60% of organisations lacking a long-term solution for their internal communications, effective communicators could easily tip the scales in a company’s favor.
StrengthsAsia has helped many individuals and corporate clients empower leaders throughout the region by enabling breakthrough experiences for both leaders and followers. If you wish to learn more about the Strengths Leadership Program, please reach out to us here.
