If you\u2019re confused, don\u2019t worry \u2014 in this blog post, we\u2019ll shed some light on this phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, we\u2019ll define deep listening and illustrate it with an example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, we\u2019ll consider its benefits in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, we\u2019ll provide you with 7 tips for engaging in deep listening at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, without further ado, let\u2019s all learn how to be trampolines!<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Deep](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Deep-listening-cover.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat is deep listening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Deep listening is a type of listening in which we are fully present and devoted to the person speaking, without trying to control the conversation or judge it. Deep listening takes place when you\u2019re determined to understand the speaker\u2019s perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means you need to pay close attention to their verbal and nonverbal cues while listening to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be able to do this, you need to suspend your judgment and be willing to receive new information from the speaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This special quality of attention poet John Keats called negative capability<\/strong> \u2014 \u201cwhen a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts without any irritable reaching after fact & reason\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, while listening to others, we should be open to the unfamiliar and try not to judge or reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, we should suspend reactive thinking and open ourselves to the unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Discuss, share & collaborate with Pumble, a team communication app by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n Before we dive deeper into deep listening, let\u2019s consider the difference between deep and active listening, since these terms are often confused or used interchangeably. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main difference between deep and active listening is the amount of attention<\/strong> we pay to ourselves and the other person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In their book Active Listening<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Carl Rogers and Richard Evans Farson state that active listening is called \u201cactive\u201d because of the listener\u2019s definite responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, the listener doesn\u2019t passively<\/em> absorb the words the speaker is saying, but actively<\/em> grasps the facts and feelings the speaker is conveying. That way, the listener is trying to help the speaker with their problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By doing so, the listener builds empathetic<\/a> bonds with the speaker. For example, an active listener nods or paraphrases what the speaker is saying, to show them they are paying attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, when deep listening is concerned, we are expected to listen to ourselves<\/em> as much as we listen to the speaker<\/em>. It is more contemplative than active listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although this sounds paradoxical, this self-reflection enables us to connect with the speaker <\/strong>more deeply and be more empathetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, when we engage in deep listening, we allow ourselves to be more vulnerable and enable the conversation to lead us to more creative and innovative places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine that you\u2019ve broken your leg, and the doctor is telling you that you need to wear a cast for 4 weeks. Naturally, you\u2019re heartbroken and openly show the doctor how you feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A doctor who is an active listener would respond to your concerns in the following way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI see, but you need to wear the cast if you want your bone to heal properly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The doctor has heard your concerns, but fails to acknowledge your experience in a way a doctor who engages in deep listening might:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI feel that you\u2019re uncomfortable, and I know everything itches you. You would much rather get rid of the cast and try to keep still on your own. However, the cast is a much more efficient solution to your problem. It will help your broken bone heal more quickly.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to become a more empathetic leader, check out our blog post on building an empathetic leadership style:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at an example of deep listening in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n George is working as a UX\/UI designer in an IT company. Troubled by the inflation, he asked for an early pay raise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since his manager Ramani had to turn him down, he is frustrated with her decision and explicitly expresses his dissatisfaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, Ramani has engaged in deep listening, and her response is: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI empathize with your frustration with our decision not to increase your salary this month. You believe that you deserve a raise, and I absolutely agree. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I see that you\u2019re disappointed with our response, but please understand that our company\u2019s policy does not allow us to make individual salary increases without first going through the review process. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I understand that you\u2019re experiencing financial difficulties, but rest assured that we will reconsider your request when the pay reviews take place.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n As she is showing an impressive level of empathy and understanding, George, although he didn\u2019t get a raise, feels heard and acknowledged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from that, Ramani promised him that his request would be reconsidered the next month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Simplify team communication and collaborate more effectively. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n According to the study on the benefits of deep listening<\/a>, which gathered data from around 18,000 leaders, 46% of the respondents stated they prefer giving practical advice to taking the time to truly understand their employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not surprisingly, 18% of the surveyed said that people frequently mentioned they could be better listeners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, why is it so important anyway? We offer you a few benefits of deep listening at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deep listening is closely connected to silence, which can sometimes be more powerful than words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This silence allows us to slowly digest the speaker\u2019s words and paraphrase them, to check if we\u2019ve understood them correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By paraphrasing the speaker\u2019s words, we save time and are one step closer to resolving conflicts<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, in his book Nonviolent Communication<\/em><\/a>, Marshall B. Rosenberg states that \u201cstudies in labor-management negotiations demonstrate that the time required to reach conflict resolution is cut in half when each negotiator agrees, before responding, to accurately repeat what the previous speaker had said.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you want to reduce the time spent on conflict resolutions<\/a> by half, you should engage in deep listening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Solve issues and work through conflicts on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to build trust<\/a> among your team members, no matter whether you\u2019re working in-office, remotely<\/a>, or practicing a hybrid work model<\/a>, you need to be a good listener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To put it differently, you should engage in deep listening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only will you be perceived as more likable, but you will also build stronger relationships with your employees and help avoid miscommunication<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our contributor Andrea Flack-Wetherald<\/a>, a bestselling author, social worker, and teacher of Mindful Improv Thinking\u2122, highlights the importance of deep listening in fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf we want to build things we\u2019re proud of and cultivate cultures of actual belonging rather than tokenization, deep listening is imperative. Deep listening keeps us from missing out on great ideas. We naturally hold back our best\/bravest ideas when we sense disinterest from others in the room, so deep listening is the best way to draw out the very best in each other.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As you listen to your employees before speaking, you will come up with deeper questions that will help you establish trust and take the conversation to the next level \u2014 toward more constructive solutions to problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since deep listening enables you to understand the perspectives of others, this means that the feedback you give might be of significantly better quality than the feedback of not-so-good listeners.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the focus in feedback is on talking, the ability to really hear your colleagues\u2019 problems and empathize with them makes all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, by listening deeply to your employees, you earn the privilege of providing feedback<\/a> to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give and ask for feedback on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For an organization to function well, different teams need to collaborate<\/a> and communicate effectively<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, when leaders don\u2019t listen to their employees, collaboration becomes extremely difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our contributor Anthony Martin<\/a>, Founder and CEO of Choice Mutual and a member of the Forbes Financial Council, claims something similar:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen leaders model deep listening, they create a culture of respect and collaboration for the entire organization. Deep listening leads to self-awareness and growth and helps overcome the blockers that stop the work from getting done. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When an entire company practices deep listening, they are much more engaged and productive in their work and feel seen and respected. Taking the time to really listen to employees and co-workers will make your business more collaborative and successful.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In other words, deep listening is key to effective collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Lindsay Tighe<\/a>, an inspirational speaker, coach and author of six books on asking better questions, deep listening is one of the most critical ways to make people feel valued, respected, and understood: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEnabling these positive emotions leads to people feeling more motivated and engaged, and we know that this will create higher levels of productivity and performance. This level of listening also enables deeper and better relationships, which are critical to <\/em>creating a positive workplace culture<\/em><\/a>.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n So, practicing deep listening is a surefire way to a better collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Secure and reliable team communication app for professionals. Try Pumble.<\/p>\n\n All the aforementioned benefits ultimately lead to this conclusion: deep listening is crucial for effective leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Martin shared with us his opinion on the importance of listening for great leadership:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGreat leaders understand that they need to be able to pick up on every part of a conversation, including what’s not being said, and then be able to control and manage their responses helpfully and respectfully.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once again, silence can speak volumes \u2014 so leaders should learn to listen to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To find out more about leadership communication, check out our blog post on that topic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people are stronger listeners than others. However, that doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t all improve our listening skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, like any skill, deep listening can be improved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By the same token, if you don\u2019t practice them enough, your listening skills can degrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what are the best ways to reclaim the lost art of listening? <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve already mentioned the difference between active and deep listening \u2014 it\u2019s in the amount of attention we pay to the speaker and ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, this doesn\u2019t mean that deep and active listening are mutually exclusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the contrary, active listening may lead to deep listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In active listening, we\u2019re choosing to be fully involved in the conversation and focused on the other person\u2019s words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, this also means that we need to eliminate all distractions \u2014 e.g. we shouldn\u2019t look at our mobile phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, voice calls<\/a> make it easier for us to listen to someone because we can focus better on their words and tone of voice.<\/p>\n\n\n Explore Pumble’s Voice Call feature<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to find out more about one-on-one meetings, here\u2019s a perfect guide for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In her study on listening styles<\/a>, Faye K. Doell distinguishes between two modes of listening: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, she has found out that the way in which we listen plays an important role in how we understand our relationships with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Listening to respond<\/strong> is hearing enough of what the other person has said to be able to respond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We already mentioned that it\u2019s not easy to fight distractions \u2014 no matter whether they are external or internal by nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest distractions we have to overpower are our own thoughts<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, the speed of thoughts is much higher than the speed of spoken words<\/a>, which is why we might easily get lost in our thoughts and start devising different strategies to answer the speaker\u2019s words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basically, we\u2019re just waiting to respond. By doing this, we fail to grasp a deeper meaning of what the other person is saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, listening to understand<\/strong> is an active and deliberate form of listening, which requires our undivided attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We are not just waiting for our turn in the conversation, but are focusing on the speaker and what they\u2019re communicating \u2014 both verbally and nonverbally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we\u2019re listening to someone talking, we tend to filter their words through our own reality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By doing so, we compare their opinions to our own and, if we don\u2019t agree with the speaker, we may find it difficult to hold our judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, deep listening teaches us to withhold our judgment and separate our own feelings and opinions on the topic of the discussion. By doing so, we\u2019re opening ourselves to new ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During our research on this topic, we reached out to Ginelle Krummey<\/a>, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, who shared with us her opinion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt’s a radical act to be considering the practice of deep listening in the workplace. The practice includes demonstrating that a person’s need, desire, or critique is valid and understood. It also includes empowering people with opportunities to voice their needs or interests and to follow through on making them real in the business.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Another contributor of ours, Steve Carleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Executive Clinical Director at Gallus Detox, agrees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy deeply listening to others, we can gain a more complete picture of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. This can help <\/em>foster open dialogue<\/em><\/a> and collaboration by creating a safe space for everyone to be heard and respected. Additionally, deep listening can help to uncover new insights, solve problems more effectively, and build trusting relationships. Ultimately, deep listening is essential in the workplace for building strong teams that are productive and successful.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Namely, the goal is to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n That is the best way to gain the other person\u2019s trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Empower your team and boost productivity in real time. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n We\u2019re sure you know how to recognize when someone\u2019s not paying attention to what you\u2019re saying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have that distant look in their eyes and are maybe nodding their heads in an attempt to show you they\u2019re actually listening. But, you know! They can\u2019t fool you \u2014 their absent gaze is telling you the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, hate to break it to you, but, people can tell when you\u2019re <\/em>not paying attention as well \u2014 no matter how successfully you might think you\u2019re pretending to be listening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good listeners, on the other hand, are attentive and present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are able to resist all distractions and truly show that they\u2019re engaged in what you\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you heard of the 50\/70 rule<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to this rule, the appropriate eye contact should be 50% of the time while you\u2019re speaking and 70% of the time while you\u2019re listening to others speak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, aside from paying attention to the speaker\u2019s body language, you should also mind your own nonverbal cues, including eye contact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you maintain eye contact with the speaker, you show them that you\u2019re interested in what they have to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, you\u2019re exuding confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mind you, nonverbal communication cues (including eye contact) have different meanings in different cultures. So, if your work environment is multicultural, don\u2019t miss our guide on cross-cultural communication:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have trouble understanding something, ask the speaker for clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sounds pretty straightforward, right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, do we always ask for explanations, or do we sometimes pretend to have understood something?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we want to engage in deep listening, we should learn to ask better questions<\/a> \u2014 in this case, follow-up questions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, you might want to ask for clarification in one of the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI just need to check if I understand that correctly. Are you saying that\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt seems to me that you want to say that\u2026 Am I right?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cHave I understood correctly that\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n That is a great way to check if the message you received is the <\/em>message the speaker intended to send. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By asking meaningful questions, you\u2019re on a sure path to honing your deep listening skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask follow-up questions on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it might seem we\u2019re stating the obvious, it wouldn\u2019t hurt to remind ourselves that we shouldn\u2019t interrupt other people when they\u2019re talking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By doing so, we are sending a message to the speaker that we don\u2019t really care about what they\u2019re saying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a clear sign that, while your colleague was talking, you were busy thinking about a clever rebuttal instead of listening carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pumble by CAKE.com<\/a> helps you improve not only your deep listening skills but also your ability to comprehend every message you receive, regardless if it is written or verbal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pumble offers video conferencing<\/a> and audio call<\/a> features that ensure a clear audio and video experience helping you comprehend every single message received. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, it is good to share your screen during video calls for additional clarity, so a screen-sharing<\/a> option in Pumbe might be the perfect addition. <\/p>\n\n\n You can also get back to some old messages or files<\/a>, in your DM<\/a>s or channels<\/a>, thanks to unlimited message history<\/a> in Pumble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, if you want more engagement and closer collaboration with outside partners and associates, you can invite them to your Pumble workspace, thanks to the guest access<\/a> feature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nDeep listening vs active listening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An example of the difference between active and deep listening<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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An example of deep listening in the workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nWhy is deep listening important in the workplace?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why should we strive to be better listeners, or even more so \u2014 deep listeners? <\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefit #1: Deep listening helps resolve conflicts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #2: Deep listening helps build trust <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Andrea-Flack-Wetherald\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Andrea-Flack-Wetherald.jpeg\")
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Benefit #3: Deep listening enables better feedback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #4: Deep listening improves collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Anthony](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Anthony-Martin.jpeg\")
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![\"Lindsay](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Lindsay-Tighe.jpg\")
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\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nBenefit #5: Deep listening is critical for effective leadership in the workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7 Tips for engaging in deep listening in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tip #1: Start with active listening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Voice](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/voice-calling-in-Pumble.png\")
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Tip #2: Listen to understand, not to respond<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #3: Listen without judgment <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ginelle](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ginelle-Krummey.jpeg\")
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![\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Steve-Carleton.png\")
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![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nTip #4: Be present and attentive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #5: Maintain eye contact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #6: Ask follow-up questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #7: Don\u2019t interrupt the other person<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Master the art of deep listening with Pumble by CAKE.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screen-sharing](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-sharing-on-a-video-call-via-Pumble.png\")