A conversation requires concentrated listening. Many people assume they know how to listen. However, these people may be mistaking just hearing for effective listening. Listening does require hearing, but it also requires interpretation and understanding – in other words, two-way communication.

Listening effectively enables you to better understand and interpret what someone is saying. For example, you'll know what your manager needs from you only if you listen attentively. This can help you improve productivity and avoid mistakes.

If you listen effectively, you're able to show your coworkers that you're interested in and have respect for what they have to say. You encourage them to do the same and so develop mutual respect, which fosters strong and smooth work relationships.

Being able to listen effectively also means opening your mind to new experiences. You learn constantly and other people's thoughts, knowledge, or ideas will inspire your thinking and encourage you to be more innovative.

Misconceptions about listening

Many people have the following misconceptions when it comes to listening:

• Listening comes automatically
  Simply hearing what's being said isn't effective listening. Effective listening takes concentration and effort. You need to understand the meaning and intent of what is said.
• Everyone hears the same thing
  Not everyone hears the same thing. Sentences – and even individual words – may have several meanings and be open to different interpretations, resulting in potential misunderstanding.
• Listening is effortless
  This is probably the most popular misconception about listening. To listen effectively, you have to make an effort to understand the spoken words and sentences, as well as the intent and emotion behind them.
• Listening is natural
  Effective listening isn't a natural skill. Listening effectively is learned and requires practice. Following simple guidelines, you can become far more effective at listening.

Different types of listeners

You can group different types of listeners into four main categories:

• Non-listeners
  A non-listener doesn't intend to listen to you, doesn't hear, and doesn't make an effort to pay attention. The non-listener would rather do all the talking. As a result, this person constantly interrupts the speaker and always attempts to have the last word. A non-listener may offer you blank stares and demonstrate nervous mannerisms while you're speaking, and may even fake attention during a conversation. However, it will become clear that this person isn't paying attention when they respond incorrectly or inappropriately. Non-listeners are generally not liked because their lack of effort shows a lack of respect for what others have to say.
• Superficial listeners
  A superficial listener hears what you're saying but doesn't grasp the point you're making. A superficial listener listens only for the basic meaning of the spoken words and takes no notice of body language, voice tone, and other subtle forms of communication. Most often, superficial listeners are busy thinking about what they want to say next. You might get the impression that they do understand what you're saying, which can lead to confusion and mistakes. People who listen superficially often search for an excuse to avoid conversation or difficult discussions.
• Logical listeners
  Logical listeners make an effort to hear what you're saying and to comprehend the meaning of the actual words. However, they don't understand your intent or the meaning behind your words. Because they don't receive messages from vocal intonation, body language, or facial expressions, they miss important components of what a speaker is trying to communicate. Logical listeners need to concentrate more on the nonverbal communication accompanying speech.
• Active listeners
  Listening actively requires concentration and emotional effort. Active listeners won't judge you as you speak, but will try their best to understand what you're saying and why you're saying it. In other words, they'll respect your point of view. They'll listen for the intent and emotions behind the words so that they can better understand your line of thought.

In summary, listening effectively is very important in the workplace. It helps you improve productivity and build smoother relationships. Listening effectively also helps you collaborate more easily and become more innovative. There are four types of listeners, each with a different level of listening skill. A non-listener doesn't make an effort to hear what you say, and a superficial listener hears but doesn't grasp the points being made. A logical listener understands the meaning of the words but not the intent behind them. An active listener has the highest level of listening skill, and understands both the meaning of the words and the intent behind them.