If you spend a lot of time trying to get colleagues to pay more attention to what you say, it could be a sign you need to spend your energy learning how to listen more effectively instead. At work we often have strategies for how we can be heard more clearly by colleagues and managers — but listening is often more powerful than talking. So how can you do it better? Try these ideas to improve your listening skills:
- Be prepared to talk less in any given situation.
- Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation.
- Stop predicting what people will say, as you’re ‘tuning out’.
- Focus on the other person, not what you’ll say next.
- Don’t constantly shift the conversation back to yourself.
- Try to summarise what the other person.
- Embrace the ‘support and response’ and ask follow-up questions.
- Sit in silence after someone else speaks to absorb what they say.
- It’s okay not to have all the answers right away.
- Take a break – listening can be hard work for the brain.
The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.
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