Strategies for Human Resources

SHR Newsletters: On Listening

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Perhaps you have not had anyone telling you to 'shut up and listen' lately...but do you know if you are actually a good listener? Or why that might be important to your organization's success?

The old line that 'god gave us two ears and only one mouth for a reason' reflects the common problem: most of us do not listen well. Research shows that in the USA a far higher percentage of managers are extroverts than is the overall workforce. And many extroverts are better at talking than listening.

And listening well is a critical skill: good listeners are

more likely to learn of potential problems and solutions early;
better at assessing employees and job applicants;
more aware of changes in their field/organization/work which may affect them.

Good listening skills are difficult to learn. They take an effort to turn off one's own internal discussions, to think about what one is doing in a conversation, and to change one's habits.

But your listening skills can be improved!

Tips for more effective listening:

listen for understanding of both what is said and what underlies the words or tone.
turn off your tendency to be thinking of your reply while the other person is speaking.
engage yourself fully in listening: take notes, make eye contact, say an encouraging word or nod periodically.
ask relevant questions: for further information and to clarify your understanding of what you think you heard.
don't interrupt or assume you know what the rest of the statement will be.
don't give advice unless asked to.
make a real effort to practice each skill. String them together as you get comfortable you have mastered each.

A common characteristic of excellent sales people, top executive recruiters, and brilliant managers is their ability to listen. And to take what they have learned about the client or customer and use it for their own success. Being a good listener can help you achieve more -- try it and see!

Training specials for October and November -- does your team need some guidance in managing effectively? Hiring for success and retention? Check out our training programs or call for more info.

Among the many sources of business ideas online, one I find quite useful is the Graziado Business School's Business Report. This online journal covers a wide range of topics and is easy to check out quickly. You can find it at: http://gbr.pepperdine.edu/index.html

As always, SHR does not share your information with anyone else. If you wish to be removed from our newsletter list, just send me an email and say so. You are welcome to share information from this newsletter with others so long as you include proper attribution. And feedback or your ideas for topics are most welcome!

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