# Active Listening Techniques
Today I practiced the HEAR technique during our sprint planning session and noticed a significant improvement in team communication and understanding.
## The HEAR Technique
HEAR stands for:
- **Halt**: Stop whatever else you're doing and give your full attention
- **Engage**: Show that you're listening through body language and brief verbal acknowledgments
- **Anticipate**: Focus on what the speaker is saying rather than planning your response
- **Replay**: Paraphrase what you've heard to confirm understanding
## Results
By implementing this technique, I noticed:
1. Team members felt more valued and understood
2. We uncovered important details that might have been missed otherwise
3. We reduced misunderstandings and the need for follow-up clarifications
4. The overall meeting time was actually shorter despite taking more time to listen
This simple technique has proven to be invaluable for improving team dynamics and ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals and requirements.
CommunicationTeam Collaboration