b'PROIFCILEA TBy treatingindividuals to tap into collective wisdom,3. Create the space to listen wellstrengthen relationships and createListening isnt just about your ears; its listening as a skillenvironments where everyone feels to refine rathervalued. By prioritising understandingabout your environment and mindset.over response, interactions become Eliminate distractions (phones, screens, than a habitmore thoughtful, effective andmultitasking).to assume, werewarding. Listening deeply is the key Manage your internal noise, set aside to unlocking collaboration, innovation unlock one of theand meaningful connection in bothassumptions or judgments.simplest yet mostprofessional and personal contexts. I f the setting isnt conducive (e.g., time Three top tips to aid listening: pressure or background noise), agree transformativeto revisit the conversation later.levers for1. Listen to understand, not to respond Why it matters: Human performance improving teamMost people listen with the intent todepends on context. When you remove reply, not to truly understand. external and internal barriers, listening communicationquality, and therefore safety, clarity andFocus on the speakers words, tone and and wellbeing. body language. connection, dramatically improve. Pause before responding. Even a briefListening as a Marginal Gainsilence shows youre processing. Listening is one of the most powerful Ask clarifying questions like Can youmarginal gains in communication. tell me more about that? instead ofSmall improvements in how we listen; jumping in with advice or rebuttals. pausing before we respond, checking understanding, or being fully present, Why it matters:This builds trust,can have a disproportionate impact reduces miscommunication and helpson how effectively teams connect you see the full picture before acting. and perform. In Human Factors 2. Use active listening techniques terms, listening strengthens shared understanding, supports psychological Show youre engaged and that you valuesafety and reduces the risk of error. whats being said. By treating listening as a skill to refine Maintain open body language and eyerather than a habit to assume, we contact. unlock one of the simplest yet most transformative levers for improving team Nod or give small verbalcommunication and wellbeing.acknowledgments (I see, That makes sense,).Paraphrase key points back to confirmunderstanding, for example: So youre saying that the main challenge is To find out more about Being Why it matters: Active listening closesHuman and the next How To Thrive the communication loop, reduces errorsevent go to www.being-human.and ensures both parties share the sameco.uk, follow Helen on LinkedIn or understanding, a key Human Factorsemail helen@being-human.co.uk. concept.Helen Silver-MacMahon - Human Factors specialist & Veterinary NurseHelen is a Human Factors specialist and veterinary nurse with a special interest in human skills, having completed a MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors in 2021. She is currently studying for a PhD and working towards chartered ergonomist status. Helen thrives on being able to apply her knowledge and understanding to support teams on their Human Factors journey.18www.inspiredvet.co.uk'