Part of the building blocks of respect at the office is the importance of listening to each every coworker empathically. This doesn’t mean listening until someone is done speaking. It requires that you listen with your eyes directed at them. It is listening to what they are saying without judging, or expending our mental focus on how we intend to respond while the other individual is speaking.
Here are a few suggestions for developing good listening skills: Make authentic eye contact and turn towards the individual who is speaking. Sit up straight, not slouched down or leaning back, and even lean slightly towards the individual so they know you’re listening to them. Nod and let them know you are with them. This doesn’t mean you are agreeing, necessarily. This physical attention lets the other person know you’re not engaged in anything else, such as looking around, typing, texting, or anything besides listening fully.