Listening is a key leadership – and relationship skill – and one we are often not good at. Caroline Fleck has recently published a book, Validation, which outlines some of the key tools and techniques to actively listen. Leila Rosenberg summarised the key findings from the book as being.

1. Maintain Eye Contact: Keeping eye contact shows you are focused and engaged.
2. Use Nonverbal Cues: Nodding, leaning slightly forward, and smiling can signal attentiveness.
3. Reflect and Clarify: Paraphrasing what the speaker has said and asking clarifying questions can demonstrate understanding.
4. Affirm with Verbal Feedback: Simple acknowledgments like “I see” or “That makes sense” show you are processing the information.
5. Avoid Interruptions: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts without interjecting.
6. Respond Appropriately: Share your thoughts or feelings once the speaker has finished, showing that you have been processing their message.

These practices help build trust and strengthen communication by confirming that you value what the other person is saying. For more detailed insights, read Validation or Leila’s summary.