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
family-safe home cleaners Lincolnshire ..Irrespective of any given situation, "Team Work Works!" It is... Read More
It's not true in every organization, but it is true... Read More
Let's look at the detail of giving feedback. Whether you... Read More
Everyone knows, works or lives with "innies." Who are they... Read More
The effects of conflict in the workplace are widespread and... Read More
Team Building Question:I'm a manager of a team of 20... Read More
What's the Secret Ingredient That Turns Groups into Teams? Working... Read More
Just today my partner Russ and I sat down to... Read More
The Sales Director had organised a great conference; the venue... Read More
Maybe you find yourself in a new team environment and... Read More
Why do we human beings complicate things? Is it that... Read More
Perhaps you're a small business owner wondering how you and... Read More
Companies often have incentives for reps, but sometimes that isn't... Read More
To be a success is not always to be a... Read More
The company picnic is a beloved tradition at many firms.It's... Read More
No figure in history is like General Patton. He was... Read More
Presenteeism is alive and 'not well' in many businesses today.... Read More
Proactive High Performance Teamwork is made up of nine proactive... Read More
It's frustrating when your co-workers, audience members, teenager or even... Read More
Recently I decided to stretch my athletic abilities and add... Read More
Do you remember how you felt after your last interaction... Read More
We live in very progressive times, one only has to... Read More
Survival: The Name of the New Economic Game People rarely... Read More
One of the greatest challenges a coaching manager has is... Read More
Trainers, please picture this... You are presenting in a new... Read More
maide service in Buffalo Grove ..Everyone knows, works or lives with "innies." Who are they... Read More
In days past, loyalty was a given. The worker in... Read More
Too many techies get a bad rap for lacking teamwork... Read More
The other day I got a call from a friend... Read More
You're at a meeting with key staff. You want some... Read More
Companies often have incentives for reps, but sometimes that isn't... Read More
Teams don't have to be aligned with the goals of... Read More
The Dance of ConflictWhen faced with the prospect of meeting... Read More
The Fantasy: Your marketing budget is packed to the brim... Read More
When was the last time you spent excessive time and... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
One of the best lessons I have learned is the... Read More
TEAM LEADERS WORKSHOPAlice asked Cheshire cat "which road should I... Read More
There are few industries or service type businesses, which are... Read More
The second in a series of 2 articles giving a... Read More
At a time when many companies are scaling down their... Read More
No figure in history is like General Patton. He was... Read More
Eight Principles for Purposeful AlignmentEffective teamwork requires individual members of... Read More
12 Tips and Reminders for Team Members To Enjoy Their... Read More
On the trail in Northern Canada "Marche" was the word... Read More
Teams, teams, teams. They're all the rage these days. Whether... Read More
Feedback is such an important communication tool. Openness, honesty, candor,... Read More
Team Building Question:Our office has recently learned that about 20... Read More
The grand purpose of coaching is to help your managers,... Read More
The first in a series of articles giving a slightly... Read More
Team Building |