The power of listening and how it can reduce job site browsing

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you like to be listened to?

Now, on a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you think you listen?

Some of my clients have really disengaged from their jobs because they feel like their words are falling on deaf ears – they just don’t feel like they are being heard, and so what’s the point in them trying to do the best job they can, and want to do? What they can’t work out is that they were hired for their knowledge and experience, however no-one seems to want to listen to them.

Two things happen when you feel unheard:

· You keep repeating yourself (which won’t increase the chances of you getting heard)

· You decide there’s no point in speaking up (hello disengagement, goodbye

great performing person)

And then the effects of this are enormous, both to you and the organisation you are working for, as you end up feeling:

· Demotivated / disengaged

· Stressed

· Unimportant / just a number

· Like you’ve lost your confidence

And so, what’s in it for the listener? Well, let’s start with happier, motivated and inspired team members. Oh, and you can also add creative, valued and confident to the list. You will also learn heaps!

Todays leaders are expected to harness the power of their team members, encouraging them to use their own unique strengths and thinking power. How do you do this? Not just by providing them the opportunity to talk, but an environment where these great thoughts are listened to.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that you will change your mind about something, but it does mean that you will have your perspective widened, which will ultimately help you make better decisions that you feel confident about.

How can you listen better?

· Ask questions that will obtain a deeper understanding of what is being said

· Avoid holding on to, or interrupting with answers that form in your head

· Mirror words

· Summarise what you’ve heard

If you really listen, your non-verbal communication will happen naturally, showing the speaker you are all ears!

If you’d like some help creating a good listening environment at work, then let’s chat: hello@h2hthinking.co.uk