Social awareness is one of the keys to fostering great relationships and being emotionally intelligent. It is our ability to not just pick up on the emotions going on in others, but also to understand and perceive what is really going on with them, even at times when we do not feel the same way. Social awareness is about not being self-absorbed but caring enough to observe and address what others are experiencing (Bradberry & Greaves, 2021).

Intuitive listening is one of the keys to managing relationships and being socially aware. This type of listening takes more than just listening on a surface-level. It entails listening to what people are saying, as well as paying attention to the tone and volume of their voices. Since people reveal themselves through all forms of communication, intuitive listening also includes focusing on what people are not saying (iPEC, 2023).

Becoming an intuitive listener may not happen overnight. However, if each of us becomes more aware of our own level of listening, we can intentionally improve our listening skills. When we are able to intuitively listen to colleagues, direct reports, and the significant others in our lives, we connect and engage with them in powerful ways.

The more you know…