Have you seen the tee-shirt with the slogan, "Talk to the hand 'cos the face ain't listening?" Do you feel it's like this sometimes when you are trying to get through to people? But just how good a listener are you? Do you actually "listen between the lines?"
So often we hear about a problem, and immediately jump in. We want a quick fix. However, we are inside our own head, and make no attempt to get into the head of the other person.
As a leader of staff it is very challenging to keep quiet, and to listen. This is the key, though, to getting the best out of your workforce. Take the time to listen to what they are saying. What motivates them? What are they putting up with at work? What issues really concern them?
As a parent, or as a partner, we become mindful of our own listening skills. So often, lack of time, and stress in our lives get in the way of listening to those close to us. We hear, but we do not understand.
It is always tricky being around adolescents with their notorious mood swings. And yet, if you take the time to listen to them, to participate in their lives, you may discover a real friend. The key is to put your own issues on hold, and to get to know the child at his or her level.
My teenage daughter and I were talking about the bombings in London in July. Her value set was obviously challenged. I made time and space to listen to her, and let her drive the conversation. As a result, I was able to build up her trust. A stronger relationship between the two of us emerged.
This is no different from what you could achieve with your own staff. Let them know your door is always open, that you are open to discuss any problem they might have.
Be careful about how high you set expectations. Do you give the impression that you just want to get the job done? Do people feel that you are so focused that you would not listen anyway?
By taking the time to listen you will be able to address their grievance, and move on together. Everyone will be happier, and you will have laid a real foundation of trust.
Julianne Kuhlmann, founder of Kool Results Coaching, offers Leadership Coaching and Consulting services that are tailored to meet the personal and professional development needs of leaders and leadership teams. Julianne provides individual and team leadership coaching, as well as a variety of workshops on leadership development. Contact Julianne at info@koolresults.com.au, and visit info@koolresults.com.au
quick home cleaning Glenview ..In the constantly changing world of Call Centers, asking agents... Read More
Once you've set a goal for yourself as a leader... Read More
It's not true in every organization, but it is true... Read More
Several years ago I took an assignment as a Manager... Read More
Winning teams aren't created by accident. Rather, the team or... Read More
Irrespective of any given situation, "Team Work Works!" It is... Read More
A lot of effort has been carried out in the... Read More
The very effective tool of keeping a journal can be... Read More
Team Building Question:A team is full of animosity, pretended interpersonal... Read More
Consensus is the appropriate decision strategy for the most important... Read More
Sometimes the greatest challenges lay not within the actions of... Read More
The grand purpose of coaching is to help your managers,... Read More
For a brief time, I tried to sell life insurance.... Read More
So much has been written on this subject; Team Work,... Read More
No figure in history is like General Patton. He was... Read More
One of the most memorable quotes that I heard from... Read More
Over the years there has been much ado about team... Read More
Recently while waiting for our lunch to be served in... Read More
Just today my partner Russ and I sat down to... Read More
One of the best ways to ensure that your planning... Read More
It's a great sunny day so it's time to get... Read More
Managing a small business continues to become more challenging. However,... Read More
One of the best lessons I have learned is the... Read More
Eight Principles for Purposeful AlignmentEffective teamwork requires individual members of... Read More
Team Building Question:I'm a manager of a team of 20... Read More
scheduled maid service Winnetka ..Teams don't have to be aligned with the goals of... Read More
In days past, loyalty was a given. The worker in... Read More
Ever watched a really brilliant idea meet with resistance and... Read More
Leaders are faced with unlocking the potential in the people... Read More
The people in your team may feel a bit uncomfortable... Read More
Many believe a leaner government promotes better freedoms with respect... Read More
Why do some teams perform well while others struggle? How... Read More
Several years ago I took an assignment as a Manager... Read More
It's a great sunny day so it's time to get... Read More
Trainers, please picture this... You are presenting in a new... Read More
We exist in such a rapidly-changing environment. Technology is moving... Read More
Team building takes work but the results are worth it.... Read More
Recently I decided to stretch my athletic abilities and add... Read More
Effective and sustainable teambuilding is necessary in today's marketplace where... Read More
Recently, while developing a customer service program, I asked my... Read More
Internal business structures have been radically transformed over the past... Read More
Multiculturalism is a reality in North America and for those... Read More
"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common... Read More
7 Key Dimensions of High Performance Teams We can always... Read More
Maybe you find yourself in a new team environment and... Read More
Too often teams aren't assembled. They just happen. A project... Read More
Feedback:Most experts agree both types; constructive and positive feedback are... Read More
Last month's edition of Footprints and Monuments illustrated a parallel... Read More
As a freelance writer myself, I know how important it... Read More
Did you know your work environment can actually make you... Read More
Team Building |