August Hot Take: Why is Active Listening So Hard?

Welcome to August Hot Takes! To celebrate the podcast's 2nd anniversary, we're shaking things up with some solo episodes from yours truly. I'm answering common questions attendees ask during my keynotes and trainings.This week: Why is active listening so hard? Thanks for being here and enjoying the podcast. Would love to know what you think of this Hot Takes format. Key Takeaways:Active listening is not a natural skill to master. It is more complicated than basic listening. As much as you are able, taking notes during a conversation will allow you to better listen to what is being said, not allowing your mind to wander afar. Repeat back and validate what the other person is saying. This doesn’t mean you agree with what they are saying.  "If you find it difficult to actively listen, just know you're not alone. And know, it is an exercise, it is a muscle you can isolate and strengthen just like empathy." —  Maria Ross Resources Mentioned:Empathy Circles: https://www.empathycircles.com/Institute of Organization Development: Active Listening: Why is it so difficult?Empathic Listening: 9 Strategies for Empathic Communication Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy  Connect with Maria: Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaTwitter: @redsliceFacebook: Red Slice

Om Podcasten

Failed product launches. Furious customers. Dysfunctional teams. Many of the problems we face in the business world (and frankly, society) stem from the same root cause: Lack of empathy. Speaker, author, strategist, and empathy advocate Maria Ross shares keen insights and inspiring interviews that prove empathy and compassion are the new paths to market-winning performance. Leveraging both inspiring stories and hard data, Ross connects empathetic leadership, cultures and brands to innovation, engagement, and bottom-line results. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to amplify your impact, and learn how compassionate business tactics can transform your organization from the inside out. The Empathy Edge podcast provides a quick dose of motivation, wisdom, and practical actions that executive leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers can use right now. Ready to infuse YOUR organization with more empathy? Tune in to learn why cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive.