Have you ever wanted to be a better listener in the workplace, or have you worked with people who you wished were better listeners to what you had to say? This book offers a framework for improved listening and how to take action on what is heard.

As a former HR professional who has worked in some toxic workplaces, I highly recommend this book. But you don’t have to be in HR to appreciate it, nor do you have to be a manager. This book gives great advice on how to truly listen to feedback, how to spot what’s NOT being said, and how to move forward after everyone has been heard. I think this would be a valuable addition to any workplace book club or library and should be required reading. Feeling heard in your professional life can lead to a happier workplace and increased productivity and morale and it’s an important aspect of being an employee. I enjoyed reading this very much, even though I am no longer in the traditional workforce.

This book would also make a great companion read to "Leaving Well for the Organization" by Naomi Hattaway.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In a world where the cacophony of voices often drowns out the delicate symphony of understanding, Heather R. Younger's "The Art of Active Listening" emerges as a beacon of resonance. With the precision of a master conductor, Younger orchestrates a harmonious blend of wisdom, research, and practical insights, inviting readers to attune their ears to the subtle melodies of human connection.

Like a seasoned detective, Younger encourages us to listen not only to the spoken words but also to the silences—the pauses pregnant with unspoken emotions. In these gaps lie the keys to unlocking empathy and building bridges.

If you have done any psychology, counselling, or Covey training, skip this one. It has introductory-level content for listening and far too much of the book is spent on anecdotes. There is nothing wrong with the content, the writing is easy to read but overall far too light for me. It feels like to back cover was an oversell for me.

Thank you, Berrett-Koehler, for the advance reading copy.

I needed this book. Like so much. From time to time, the organisation changes at workplaces and we need to be prepared on how to interact with others. Sadly, so many of us lack the much required skill of listening and at that, active listening.

This book will become quite handy if you strongly believe like I do that this book has something different and better to offer than what we already we think we know.

To get the most out of this book, please do read the beginning pages quite thoroughly as it guides you well on how you can use this book and what the book has to offer.

There are five main chapters which deals with how we can be aware and sense things that most people do not actually reveal. The next discusses on how we can seek to understand, reflect and decide on how we can act.

I would suggest you to go through this book one chapter at a time, digest it properly, note a few points which will be applicable for you and go to the next chapter.

Quite helpful.

I would say there are some parts which beginners might find difficult. That’s the only thing I find which I feel would hinder the reading process.