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
professional maid services Deerfield ..In most organisations the administration/support team, although they can be... Read More
It's the summer of 1973, and a young film director... Read More
Have you seen the tee-shirt with the slogan, "Talk to... Read More
1. Involve them. Many employees want to be involved in... Read More
Managing a small business continues to become more challenging. However,... Read More
When was the last time you spent excessive time and... Read More
For companies to be competitive, decisions have to be made... Read More
One of the most memorable quotes that I heard from... Read More
1. Humor reduces stress levels and stress is the number... Read More
As a freelance writer myself, I know how important it... Read More
Companies often have incentives for reps, but sometimes that isn't... Read More
This sports cliche is a memorable phrase that reminds people... Read More
There is a WHOLE lot of talk these days about... Read More
A lot of effort has been carried out in the... Read More
Project Head Start has been successful not only for the... Read More
One of the best lessons I have learned is the... Read More
Teams don't have to be aligned with the goals of... Read More
Ever watched a really brilliant idea meet with resistance and... Read More
Picture yourself entering a corporate meeting, team meeting, or business... Read More
The Dance of ConflictWhen faced with the prospect of meeting... Read More
As a business owner, I've had staff come and go... Read More
More and more I hear people misunderstanding what someone else... Read More
Workplace safety is important to all businesses for ethical, legal... Read More
Did you know your work environment can actually make you... Read More
The company picnic is a beloved tradition at many firms.It's... Read More
quick home cleaning Lake Forest ..Recently, while developing a customer service program, I asked my... Read More
Have you noticed that some people seem to stop listening... Read More
There's nothing that matches the power of teamwork to accomplish... Read More
Reed Employment made a survey of their clients and compiled... Read More
One of the best ways to ensure that your planning... Read More
It's the summer of 1973, and a young film director... Read More
Team Building Question:I'm a manager of a team of 20... Read More
Project Head Start has been successful not only for the... Read More
Leaders are faced with unlocking the potential in the people... Read More
As the world of manufacturing has become increasingly competitive, managers... Read More
Giving gifts to your co-workers or your employees can be... Read More
True or false? Teams that practice good teamwork contribute to... Read More
Many believe a leaner government promotes better freedoms with respect... Read More
"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common... Read More
A college football team has it. A corporation has it.... Read More
Survival: The Name of the New Economic Game People rarely... Read More
From the moment he putted with Bob Hope on the... Read More
You are new to Internet Marketing, you join one Affiliate... Read More
The rise of the internet has given businesses a new... Read More
In the constantly changing world of Call Centers, asking agents... Read More
Maybe you find yourself in a new team environment and... Read More
Team Building Question:A team is full of animosity, pretended interpersonal... Read More
It's a great sunny day so it's time to get... Read More
As a business owner, I've had staff come and go... Read More
I'm often asked, "Why is my team always fighting fires... Read More
Team Building |