Master This Crucial Skill for Business Success
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
LISTEN UP!
Here's an excellent quote from the Dalai Lama: "When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new."
Be honest with yourself; how much have you learned by talking?
Listening well to others brings new facts, opinions, information, and, ultimately, knowledge.
But listening well and generously is easier said than done. Listening takes more than just hearing what another person is saying:
Listening well should command your full attention, not a few "uh-huhs" while you scroll through your emails.
Listening well requires that you set aside your preconceived notions about the speaker or the subject and try to listen objectively. This is especially difficult and hard to master. I personally struggle to listen with an open mind to people with opposite political points of view.
Listening well also includes trying to separate facts from opinions and interpretations, both the speaker’s and your own.
Most importantly, listening well requires empathy; what is the person trying to accomplish? What do they need?
Effective communication is only about 25% speaking, with the bulk of the responsibility for effectiveness falling on listening.
Many employers have identified this as an essential skill for their employees, providing listening skills training to both new and current staff members.
In fact, listening skills in your company can save you money. Research from SIS International estimates that a business with 100 employees averages 17 hours/week just clarifying communications, translating to a cost of $500,000 per year in wasted time!
As a leader, it’s essential that you develop good listening skills, not only for your own continued growth but to accelerate the performance of your team. Listening well:
Builds trust
Cements relationships and teamwork
Boosts credibility
Increases loyalty
Gives evidence that you care
Have you heard me? Let me know your thoughts – I’m listening!
Fundamental of the Week #2: LISTEN GENEROUSLY
Give others your full attention, be present and engaged, and set aside your internal conversation as best you can. Let go of your need to agree, disagree, or judge. Be empathetic, and listen to the needs of others. Use your curiosity to get all the facts, separating facts from interpretations.
Momentum Consulting offers executive business coaching, top-level executive consulting, team training, and team off-sites to build and transform your business to the next level. Inquire about business consulting and leadership coaching today.
