Innovation Killers: Barriers to Listening
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So business is down and you’re looking for exciting new product ideas. You’ve asked everyone in the office for suggestions but no one has anything good to say… well, except Larry the Admin Guy. In fact, Larry’s idea would’ve been the peak of innovation - but you didn’t listen to him because you were too busy thinking about how your coffee just isn’t quite the right temperature.
That coffee, whilst seemingly only a tiny distraction, is called a barrier to listening and it just killed your new business idea (and also made Larry sad). Congratulations, Larry just joined the 70% of other employees who are affected by poor listening. But don’t worry, we’ve got a do-over button for you. So come along and let’s make this right, starting with understanding what barriers to listening are.
What is a Barrier to Listening?
A barrier to listening is anything that stops you from being able to actively listen, hear, understand, and interpret the message someone is trying to get across to you. These barriers can come from within as well as in your environment.
Here are 7 types of barriers that you can find in the office:
External distractions - things that divert your attention away from the speaker. That room-temperature coffee.
Emotional/energetic - your mood: perhaps you didn’t sleep well or something upset you earlier?
Power dynamics - listening according to where they are compared to you on the corporate hierarchy. Larry’s job position shouldn’t stop you from listening.
Mindset and personal perspectives - How your values and experiences affect how you listen to others. Larry’s product idea couldn’t possibly work because you’d never buy it! You’re not the target market.
Interruptions - things that interrupt communication. People coming in and out and trying to talk over others. Maybe having this meeting in the break room wasn’t a great idea…
Noisy environment - Noisy environments can stop you from being able to hear the other person or prove a frustrating distraction. Just try not to think about the guy mowing the lawn outside or the old rattling fan or the noisy coffee machine…
Speaker distractions - unfinished sentences, lack of context, quiet talking, or speaking too fast. Larry’s just a little nervous, cut him some slack and ask him to slow down.
What is Active Listening and how do you do it?
So now that you’re aware of these barriers and have hopefully minimized them, you can start practicing active listening. Active listening is a skill that goes beyond just listening - it is observing, reflecting, and engaging with the speaker.
There are 6 things you need to know about active listening:
Be attentive - listen to what Larry is saying and observe his tone and body language. Do not think of what your reply is going to be, just listen.
Don’t judge - Making judgments is going to stop you from openly listening and absorbing information. Even worse, sharing judgment is going to stop people from sharing with you. Who are you going to not listen to then?
Reflect - Before you speak, think about what you have just heard. How does it make you feel? Is there anything you are confused about?
Summarize - Summarize what Larry has said back to him. It’s a great way to make sure you understood everything and to make sure you didn’t miss any important details.
Clarify - Ask any questions you might have. Be curious! You might find Larry has thought out more of this idea than he initially shared, but you won’t know unless you ask!
Share - Share how you are feeling about what has been said. Are you excited about Larry’s idea? Tell him!
A Quick Do-Over
You sit Larry down in a meeting room to give him your full attention. You’re not even worried about your coffee because you’re so busy listening to him you’re not even reaching to drink it. You’re baffled. Larry’s idea is, quite frankly, genius. He’s a bit nervous and he speaks quickly but it’s okay because you ask him politely to slow down. He does. Larry is the man with all the answers and you’re so glad you took the time to practice active listening and so is Larry! He’s excited that you’re excited and feels seen, heard, and valued as an employee. Congratulations to you both, now go make millions (and warm your coffee).
