Which response demonstrates active listening when a colleague shares a concern?

Which response demonstrates active listening when a colleague shares a concern?

• A. I hear your concern and want to understand it better.
• B. That's not a big deal; let's move on.
• C. You're overreacting; everything's fine.
• D. I'll decide without your input.

Answer: (A)

Active listening means showing you’re truly paying attention, validating what the other person is feeling, and seeking to understand their perspective. The phrase “I hear your concern and want to understand it better” does all of that. It acknowledges that there is a concern and signals genuine interest in learning more, without judgment or rushing to solutions. It invites the colleague to share more and helps lower defensiveness, which is key to a productive conversation. The other responses miss that mark: one minimizes the issue and suggests moving on, which shuts down the opportunity to understand; another dismisses the colleague’s feelings by labeling them as overreactions; and the last one asserts control and excludes the other person from the decision. In active listening, you aim to keep the dialogue open, show empathy, and invite clarity.

Active listening means showing you’re truly paying attention, validating what the other person is feeling, and seeking to understand their perspective. The phrase “I hear your concern and want to understand it better” does all of that. It acknowledges that there is a concern and signals genuine interest in learning more, without judgment or rushing to solutions. It invites the colleague to share more and helps lower defensiveness, which is key to a productive conversation.

The other responses miss that mark: one minimizes the issue and suggests moving on, which shuts down the opportunity to understand; another dismisses the colleague’s feelings by labeling them as overreactions; and the last one asserts control and excludes the other person from the decision. In active listening, you aim to keep the dialogue open, show empathy, and invite clarity.