How to develop active listening skills for better communication

Active listening is a critical skill for product managers, enabling them to gain insights and build strong relationships by genuinely understanding others' perspectives. It involves not only hearing what someone is saying but also observing their non-verbal cues and intonations, and then reflecting back in your own words to confirm understanding. This skill is not only essential in leadership roles but also beneficial for all professionals as it fosters mutual trust and psychological safety in the workplace. The process of active listening includes several key techniques such as paying attention, withholding judgment, reflecting, clarifying, summarizing, and responding appropriately. These techniques help in various scenarios like customer discovery interviews, dealing with challenging coworkers, and receiving indirect feedback from subordinates. Despite its challenges, such as overcoming judgment and the urge to respond quickly, mastering active listening can significantly enhance productivity and strengthen professional relationships by ensuring that all parties feel heard and valued.