Whether you’re having a chat with a colleague, spouse, family member, or friends, communication is the cornerstone of a healthy, thriving relationship, says Mark Williams, the president and CEO of Brokers International, keynote speaker, and author of Lead, Don’t Manage. Communicating is more than just telling another person what you think or want, he adds. When we dedicate time to learning how to listen, we strengthen all dynamics in our life. “Effective communication is a two-way street in which you listen as much as you talk,” says Williams. “When others know that you’re truly listening to them, they’re likely to repay you with the respect you give them, and they’ll take the things you say more seriously as well.” Want to be a better listener? Start by working on these expert-approved tips. “Some people will only tell you when something is wrong if you ask, while others will want to come to you proactively. By understanding each person’s style it will allow you to know the right way to listen to them,” she says. “This is a great way to start a dialogue and create the space for them to feel comfortable to express themselves and for you to ask those leading questions that will engage them a bit more.” RELATED: 5 Common Quarantine Quarrels Couples Have—and How to Resolve Them Reflection can illuminate whether you missed anything important the other person said, allowing them to provide more detail or emphasis. “With reflection, each person in the listening role continues to paraphrase back what it seems the speaker is saying after the speaker has clarified or restated one’s points until the listener has demonstrated a good understanding and recall of these,” she explains.
