Strengthen Your Connections Through Deeper Listening
Are you truly listening to the people you love—especially when they need it most?
We all want to feel more connected. Stronger relationships. Deeper understanding. But sometimes, even when we think we’re listening, we’re not giving people what they actually need. Especially the people closest to us.
Are You Listening or Just Hearing?
You might be a good listener at work, but those same skills don’t always translate at home or in personal relationships. In moments when someone is vulnerable—when they’re nervous, upset, or unsure—they don’t need advice, action plans, or clever questions.
They need to feel understood and connected.
Welcome to the our Listening Blog—your dose of real-life insights to help you become a more connected, compassionate human being. You’ll find practical tips here on everything from emotional intelligence to personal growth and resilience.
Here’s Tip #1: Know When to Really Listen.
We use the word ‘listening’ as though it’s a constant that never changes. As though it only has one meaning. It has multiple meanings. The way you listen will change depending on the situation or context.
If someone you care about is feeling vulnerable, it’s time to shift your focus. Move away from problem solving and toward supporting. Here are three signs that it’s time to make this change:
- You Notice Unusual Behaviour
When people are struggling to express something important, they often behave differently—maybe they’re quieter than usual, irritable, distracted, or just “not themselves.” If something feels off, it probably is. That’s your cue to lean in and pay attention.
- You See Strong Emotion
Tears. Frustration. Silence. Anger. These are signs that the person in front of you is feeling deeply, and what they need is understanding, not solutions. It’s time to stop talking and start truly listening.
- You Know the Topic Matters
If the subject they’re raising feels important to them, let it be important to you too. Show them you care—not by jumping to fix it, but by pay attention and demonstrating empathy, presence, and respect.
We can’t listen deeply all the time. And that’s okay. But we can develop the ability to recognise when deeper listening is needed—and when we do, our relationships grow stronger.
Want to learn more?
Check out “Listening – A Guide to Building Deeper Connections.” Available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Let’s start building more meaningful connections—one conversation at a time.
