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
eco-friendly cleaning service Buffalo Grove ..Franchisees of a particular franchise must get along in order... Read More
Benefit 1 - You get to understand them betterAlmost everyone... Read More
"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common... Read More
There's nothing that matches the power of teamwork to accomplish... Read More
The key to life is to be around the people... Read More
Presenteeism is alive and 'not well' in many businesses today.... Read More
With over 25 years of research and experience, we have... Read More
Feedback is such an important communication tool. Openness, honesty, candor,... Read More
The grand purpose of coaching is to help your managers,... Read More
Have you noticed that some people seem to stop listening... Read More
Recently I decided to stretch my athletic abilities and add... Read More
A Successful Team is built around mateship, around respect for... Read More
Survival: The Name of the New Economic Game People rarely... Read More
A grassy field, two nets, a soccer ball and some... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
In most organisations the administration/support team, although they can be... Read More
If asked to look at your work calendar for the... Read More
Recently, while developing a customer service program, I asked my... Read More
Irrespective of any given situation, "Team Work Works!" It is... Read More
Effective and sustainable teambuilding is necessary in today's marketplace where... Read More
Truth on mlmDid you know that the truth on mlm... Read More
Too often teams aren't assembled. They just happen. A project... Read More
Ever lost for ideas while working in a group? One... Read More
This sports cliche is a memorable phrase that reminds people... Read More
Team Building Question:Our office has recently learned that about 20... Read More
express cleaning service Arlington Heights ..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
The company picnic is a beloved tradition at many firms.It's... Read More
You're at a meeting with key staff. You want some... Read More
A Successful Team is built around mateship, around respect for... Read More
Consensus is the appropriate decision strategy for the most important... Read More
Team Building Question:A team is full of animosity, pretended interpersonal... Read More
As a business owner, I've had staff come and go... Read More
Truth on mlmDid you know that the truth on mlm... Read More
A tight knit team is a group of competent individuals... Read More
One of the greatest challenges a coaching manager has is... Read More
Presenteeism is alive and 'not well' in many businesses today.... Read More
7 Key Dimensions of High Performance Teams We can always... Read More
Giving gifts to your co-workers or your employees can be... Read More
"Asking questions can be a means of establishing authority, fulfilling... Read More
"Conflict becomes politics, commitment becomes 'Only if it's in my... Read More
The very effective tool of keeping a journal can be... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common... Read More
What's the Secret Ingredient That Turns Groups into Teams? Working... Read More
Proactive High Performance Teamwork is made up of nine proactive... Read More
Have you seen the tee-shirt with the slogan, "Talk to... Read More
Ever watched a really brilliant idea meet with resistance and... Read More
Trainers, please picture this... You are presenting in a new... Read More
Irrespective of any given situation, "Team Work Works!" It is... Read More
Team Building |