Lately, I’ve had my fill of “listening sessions” where hidden agendas steer the discussion, information dumps eat up the time and questions get brushed aside.

Delivering on the promise of listening takes deliberate planning. Otherwise, the people you invited to contribute end up as spectators.

These five practices will help your next session live up to its name and strengthen your reputation as a good listener.

Understand the purpose. As the organizer, your job is to listen and absorb what people share. Be a sponge! A listening session helps you learn from others’ perspectives and experiences.

Keep your remarks brief. Aim to spend 15% of the session framing, moderating and wrapping up. Leave 85% for participant input. Give people enough context to get started, then let them shape the conversation.

Make sure participants can be seen and heard. Audibility matters. In person or remote, check that everyone can hear and be heard. Ditch the classroom rows and arrange seats so participants can see and speak directly to one another. Online, set the expectation ahead of time that cameras will be on.

Practice patience. Give people time to gather their thoughts and finish speaking. Resist the urge to fill every pause.

Show appreciation. Before you close, thank participants and name specific points that surprised you and broadened your thinking. After the session, follow up with participants on what happens with their input.

Are you listening or just holding a meeting? A listening session earns its name through what you’re willing to hear—and what you do with what you hear. 

Check out Dulye & Co.’s latest Career Compass Podcast, The Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview. And follow me on Instagram for more tips to advance your career!