Active Listening Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs
By: A Staff Writer
Updated on: Jul 11, 2024
Active Listening Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs
“I don’t have time to sit in meetings all day!” You don’t have to. Active listening can be integrated into short, focused bursts.
We think active listening is a passive activity, but it’s a SKILL to be built like any other.
- Body language matters: Eye contact, nodding, mirroring posture shows you’re engaged, even if the convo is brief.
- Summarize to clarify: “So what I’m hearing is…” ensures you’re on the same page, saves TONS of back and forth later.
- Ask open-ended questions: Not just ‘yes/no’ stuff. Get them elaborating, that’s where the insights lie.
- Short notes, HUGE impact: Jot down key points immediately after a conversation for future reference.
- Distraction-free zones: Put the phone AWAY during important conversations, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
- Empathy isn’t optional: Try to understand their feelings behind the words, yields better solutions for everyone.
What’s your biggest distraction when trying to listen?
Pick ONE active listening technique to practice consciously this week.