Active listening is a skill fundamental to creating psychological safety in the workplace. As someone who’s seen the transformative power of genuine, attentive listening, I can say that this seemingly simple act is one of our most powerful tools for building trust, fostering understanding, and creating an environment where people feel truly safe to express themselves.

Let’s start by clarifying active listening. Hearing words is not enough because it only partially engages with the speaker. Rather, we should seek to understand their message and the emotions and intentions behind it. Being present, curious, and genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. When present, we bring our whole conscious experience into the environment to match our peers. 

Now, why is active listening so crucial for creating psychological safety? When we listen to someone, we send a powerful message: “You matter. Your thoughts and feelings are important. You are valued here.” This validation is at the core of psychological safety. It tells people that it’s okay to speak up, share ideas, and voice concerns because they will be heard and respected.

So, how can we practice active listening in a way that creates safety? 

1. Give your full attention. Put away your phone, close your laptop, and turn away from your screen. Make eye contact. Your body language should say, “You have my undivided attention.”
2. Listen to understand, not to respond. We’re often so busy formulating our reply that we miss what’s being said. Instead, focus entirely on understanding the speaker’s perspective.
3. Practice empathy. Try to put yourself in the speaker’s shoes. What emotions might they be feeling? What experiences might be shaping their perspective?
4. Ask clarifying questions. This shows you’re engaged and helps ensure you genuinely understand. Use phrases like, “Can you tell me more about that?” or “What do you mean when you say…?”
5. Reflect on what you’ve heard. Paraphrasing the main points to confirm your understanding ensures you’ve got it right and shows the speaker you were listening.
6. Acknowledge emotions. If you sense that the speaker is feeling frustrated, excited, or concerned, acknowledge it. You might say, “It sounds like this is frustrating for you,” or “I can tell you’re passionate about this.”
7. Suspend judgment. If you disagree with what’s being said, focus on understanding rather than evaluating or critiquing.
8. Be patient with silence. Sometimes, people need a moment to gather their thoughts. Resist the urge to fill every pause.
9. Follow up. If someone shares something important with you, check in with them later. This shows that you not only listened but that you care.
10. Resist the urge to interrupt or jump in with solutions. Allow the speaker to express their thoughts before you respond. 

If you’re genuinely listening, you will notice yourself performing nonverbal cues to show you’re engaged. Nodding, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and leaning in slightly are all small gestures that make a big difference in making the speaker feel heard. If they are missing, ask yourself why.

Now, here’s the crucial part: consistency. Active listening isn’t something you do once and then check off your list. It must become a habit, a fundamental part of how you interact with others daily.

When leaders consistently practice active listening, they set a powerful example. It shows that in this workplace, we value each other’s perspectives, take the time to truly understand one another, and create space for all voices to be heard.

I challenge you to focus on listening skills in your next few interactions. Pay attention to how often you interrupt, how quickly you jump to solutions, and how present you are in the conversation. Then, make a conscious effort to improve.

Remember, active listening isn’t just about being friendly or polite. It’s a strategic tool for creating a psychologically safe environment where innovation can flourish, problems can be addressed openly, and every team member can bring their whole, authentic self to work.

When we truly listen to one another, we break down barriers, build trust, and create connections. In doing so, we lay the foundation for a workplace where everyone feels safe to speak up, take risks, and be themselves.

So, let’s commit to becoming better listeners. Ultimately, creating safety is about what we say or do when others engage us. When it’s our turn to listen, and we listen actively and attentively, we create an environment where everyone’s voice can be heard, valued, and respected.