Active vs. Intentional Listening: What’s the Difference?

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Being a working mom often means that your time and attention are constantly in demand, and listening to everyone in your life can become a real challenge when you get overwhelmed. Since the art of listening is so crucial for excelling both at home and in the workplace, making sure you know all the tricks to doing it is important. But did you know that there are two forms of listening? These are known as active and intentional listening. If you don’t know the difference between them, we’re here to break them down.

Defining Active Listening

Active listening is about engaging with the speaker, showing empathy, and providing feedback. Imagine you’re in a meeting, and your colleague is presenting a new project. Active listening would mean nodding along, making eye contact, and even summarizing a few points here and there to show you understand.

Understanding Intentional Listening

Intentional listening, on the other hand, takes it up a notch. This method involves being fully present and consciously deciding to understand the speaker’s intent and emotions. Imagine your child is telling you about their day at school. Intentional listening means putting down your phone, making eye contact, and really absorbing every word and emotion they express. While this form of listening doesn’t involve as much speaking, it demands more mental energy, making it more difficult to do often. However, it will offer a deeper connection and better understanding.

Practical Tips for Active Listening

To become a better active listener, start by eliminating distractions. Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and focus solely on the speaker. Practice reflective listening by summarizing what the speaker has said and asking clarifying questions. Remember, body language speaks volumes; nodding, maintaining eye contact, and leaning slightly forward can make a world of difference.

Practical Tips for Intentional Listening

For intentional listening, create a mental checklist. First, clear your mind of preconceived notions and be present in the moment. Pay attention not only to the words but also to the emotions behind them. Reflect back not just on what was said but on how it was said. Use this knowledge to listen for what they care about to better build your relationship. For example, if your friend is venting about a bad day, acknowledge their feelings by saying something like, “It sounds like you’re really frustrated.”

The Value of Both

While there are some notable differences between active and intentional listening, they’re not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement each other beautifully. In the professional setting, active listening can ensure that meetings are productive and everyone feels heard. Intentional listening, however, deepens relationships and builds trust, whether with colleagues or family members. The blend of both can make you a powerhouse communicator, capable of navigating both boardrooms and living rooms with finesse.