Active Listening

Active Listening

You know that feeling when you're in a meeting and someone's talking, but you're already planning your response before they've even finished? Or when you're on a call with a frustrated customer and you're mentally preparing your next argument instead of really hearing what they're saying? Yeah, we've all been there. The thing is, we think we're listening, but most of the time we're just waiting for our turn to talk.

Here's the reality: poor listening costs businesses money. It leads to misunderstandings that derail projects, creates customer complaints that could've been avoided, and builds workplace tension that makes everyone's day harder. I've seen teams waste weeks because someone "thought they heard" something different in a briefing. Sound familiar?

Real listening – the kind that actually makes a difference – is a skill most of us never learned properly. We picked up habits along the way, and not all of them are helpful. The good news? This is totally fixable, and the changes you'll see are immediate.

When you master active listening, you'll find that difficult conversations become easier to navigate. That team member who always seems defensive will start opening up more. Customers will feel heard and valued, even when you can't give them exactly what they want. Your boss will notice that you "get it" faster than others. It's like having a superpower that makes every interaction smoother and more productive.

Think about the last time someone really listened to you – not just nodded along, but actually heard what you were saying. How did that feel? That's what you'll be able to give to others, and the response you get back will surprise you.

This training covers listening skills training techniques that work in real situations, not just theory. We'll practice with actual workplace scenarios, deal with the challenges of virtual meetings, and learn how to listen effectively even when you disagree with what's being said.

What You'll Learn:
- How to catch yourself when your mind starts wandering (and bring it back quickly)
- The difference between hearing words and understanding meaning
- Techniques for listening to what people aren't saying out loud
- How to ask questions that get to the real issue faster
- Ways to show you're engaged without interrupting the flow
- Methods for remembering key details without frantically taking notes
- Strategies for listening effectively in group discussions and virtual meetings

We'll also cover how to handle those tricky situations where emotions are running high, or when you're dealing with someone who talks in circles. You'll learn practical ways to manage your own internal dialogue so you can focus on what's actually being said.

The best part? You'll start noticing improvements in your relationships immediately. People will comment that you seem more present, more understanding. Your communication training foundation becomes stronger when you can truly hear what others are telling you.

The Bottom Line:
This isn't about becoming a therapist or agreeing with everyone. It's about becoming the kind of person others want to communicate with because they feel heard and understood. Whether you're managing a team, dealing with customers, or just trying to have better conversations with colleagues, these skills will make your work life significantly easier and more effective.

Available in Melbourne