“Breathing Space”— yes that was the name of our WhatsApp group, this was our safe corner where we used to crib about all Our problems [Our Boss]— me and my special squad- during our 1st internships. It wasn’t just a group; it was a lifeline. We were all going through the same challenges — feeling unheard in meetings, constantly bombarded with instructions, expectations, and deadlines.
We found solace in one another’s stories because, for once, someone was really listening. We didn’t fear judgment; instead, we found a special bond. We knew we weren’t alone in our struggles, and that realization was incredibly liberating.
When we feel heard and understood, we’re more likely to open up, share our ideas, and collaborate effectively. Judgment-free listening creates a safe space for vulnerability, fostering deeper connections and empathy.
In “Breathing Space”, we didn’t try to “fix” things. We didn’t jump to offer advice unless asked. We simply listened, acknowledged each other’s emotions, and showed up. That was enough. Sometimes, all we need is someone to be there to witness our struggles, to validate our feelings, and to remind us that we’re not alone.
This small digital space taught me something, without any training or leadership book — the power of being heard. And that’s where the irony hit me. We had created a space to feel heard—not at work, but outside of it. Because somewhere along the way, amidst deadlines, KPIs, and endless Zoom calls, we lost the most human thing about work: the ability to truly listen.
In the modern workplace we talk about open door policies, anonymous surveys, feedback loops, communication platforms, but none of this matter if people don’t feel safe enough to speak.
Trust & Psychological safety isn’t about fancy frameworks. They are built in the smallest moments — when a manager says, ‘Take your time, I’m listening,’ and truly means it; when a colleague nods and doesn’t interrupt; when people feel they can share an unpopular opinion without being shot down or mocked. It all begins with how we consistently show up for each other.
So, what does it take to become a better listener?
🛑 Practice the Pause: After someone finishes talking, pause before responding. This creates space and shows you’re absorbing, not just reacting.
🔁 Mirror and Clarify: Say things like “So what you’re saying is…” or “Let me make sure I understood you correctly…” This reinforces the fact that you care about accuracy — and them.
🗣 Kill the Echo Chamber: Invite voices that usually stay silent. In meetings, ask, “What do you think, Ayesha?” Inclusion starts with invitation.
👀 Listen with Your Body Language: Eye contact, nods, leaning in — the body listens too! Your posture tells people how much you care.
🧘 Drop the ‘Fix-it’ Hat: Sometimes people don’t want solutions. They want understanding. Resist the urge to problem-solve. Just be with them.
Listening Well Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Talking Less:
You can show others you’re engaged by asking good questions or reflecting on what they’ve just told you.
Two types of responses- Support Response & Shift Response.
✅ Support Response
This keeps the focus on the speaker. It shows empathy, encouragement, and a willingness to stay in their world.
🚫 Shift Response
This shifts the attention back to the listener’s own experience. Can also be referred as- Conversational narcissism- a communication style where people focus on themselves and leave others feeling unheard and unvalued.
Though well-intended, shift responses can unintentionally take the spotlight away from the speaker. They interrupt the emotional flow and may leave the speaker feeling dismissed.
The key is awareness. Shift responses aren’t “wrong”, but they’re best saved for when the speaker is ready to turn the conversation into mutual sharing. Until then, support responses are what make someone feel truly heard.
What Happens When Listening Comes Alive?
Magic.
When leaders listen, trust flourishes.
When colleagues listen, empathy deepens.
When teams listen, innovation gets louder.
Listening isn’t about silence. It’s about presence.
Listening isn’t a soft skill. It’s a human superpower. When we start listening with intention — without judgment, distraction, or the urge to reply — we create a culture where voices matter and trust thrives.
In a world that’s always speaking, true listening has become rare — and yet, it’s the one thing people crave the most.
Whether it’s a workplace, a WhatsApp group, or a team huddle, what we all need is a “Breathing Space” — a space where we feel safe, seen, and heard.
P.S. – Do you have your Breathing Space within your workplace? Share your story.
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