Richard Ghilarducci: Why is Active Listening Important?

The importance of being an active listener

By becoming a better active listener, Richard Ghilarducci says that you can improve your overall productivity. You can also boost your ability to influence, persuade, negotiate, and communicate as a whole. What's more, you'll avoid conflict and misunderstandings because everything that's being said is registering clearly in your brain. All of these are necessary for workplace and leadership success.

There's an old saying that goes, "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." In communication, listening is arguably more important than talking. Active listening is the ability to absorb what others say and listen with an open mind.

By developing good listening skills, you will be able to get more information out of your conversations, and people will likely trust you more.

The importance of active listening, according to Richard Ghilarducci, cannot be understated. Ask yourself if you've ever had a conversation when you wondered if the person you were talking to was listening to what you were saying or was listening at all.

If you have to wonder if your message is getting across, or if you have to think if it's worth your time continuing to speak, then something might be wrong. If it feels like you're talking to a brick wall, it's something that you might want to look into. Let's face it -- this isn't a good feeling at all.

Becoming a better listener

There are ways you can become a better listener, according to Richard Ghilarducci.

First off, try to block out all distractions as much as you can. According to Richard Ghirladucci, there's nothing more annoying than having to talk to someone with their faces in front of their smartphones. If you're having a conversation with someone, zone out background noise and even thoughts so your focus is on the one in front of you.

You can also try to move closer toward the person you're talking to. Smile and laugh when appropriate, and nod your head if you agree to or understand what they are saying. When you hear new or interesting information, you can tilt your head, all while keeping eye contact.

Practicing your body language is also a vital part of becoming better at active listening. The first step you have to do as an active listener is to give the impression that you are approachable. Position your body in a way that makes it inviting and easier for people to come and talk to you. Instead of having your arms crossed in front of your chest, put them at your side.

During his career that spanned over three decades, Richard Ghilarducci held leadership roles, including as Chief Executive Officer. He was also a community leader and was elected Mayor for three terms. Read more about his leadership, communication, and management insights by following this page.