One simple skill for more effective management: listening

Are you listening?

Being a good listener can help you become a better manager. Listening is one of the most important skills that managers and leaders have. However, just because people tend to think of listening as a simple skill, it doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, many of us simply are not good at it, even though being able to truly listen to both your customers and your team members is a great way to connect with them.

How are your listening skills? Here are some of the most important ways to become better at it:

1. Don’t interrupt. Let employees or customers get their stories out uninterrupted. Many times, people want to feel heard more than anything else. Ask questions or follow up at natural breaks in the conversation.
2. Focus on the speaker. Remember, it’s about them, not you. Don’t automatically launch into a narrative about how you overcame a similar experience, though it can be tempting to do so.
3. Reduce distractions. Shut the door and minimize the email screen. Don’t fiddle with your watch or glance at your cell phone. Even if you’re not sitting next to the person, these distractions can really have an impact on the conversation.
4. Take notes. Remember or write down important details of what you’ve heard, so when it’s your turn to respond or follow up, you don’t have to ask them to repeat what they’ve already told you.
5. Show that you are listening. Good eye contact, an occasional nod of understanding, or if you’re not in a face-to-face setting, an “I see,” at the right time lets your customer or employee know you’re engaged.

Not only does being a good listener help you to understand your team and their needs, but it also allows you to build trust and relationships with them. Here are four ways that listening can change your team:

1. You’ll be more creative. One of the benefits of being a good listener is that you open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives. This can help you think more creatively and come up with solutions to problems that you wouldn’t have thought of before.
2. You’ll spend less time arguing. When we listen to others attentively, we often get a sense for what they’re feeling and thinking. Because we’re not reacting emotionally or impulsively, we’re able to have productive conversations instead of arguments.
3. You’ll build better relationships with your teammates. The key to having successful relationships is listening carefully and understanding what the other person is saying. When you do this, you’re able to deal with difficult situations better. Show the other person that you respect their position and opinion, and they are much more likely to reciprocate.

As we all know, when it comes to managing people, communication is key. However, good communication isn’t just about having a conversation; it’s also about listening. Listening not only allows you to understand what your employees or customers are saying, but also how they are feeling. By being able to engage and respond honestly, you can build trust and ensure that they feel valued and heard.