Category Archives: Listening

Leadership, Listening

Can You Hear Them Now?

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hear“None so deaf as those that will not hear. None so blind as those that will not see.” —Matthew Henry

Employees are the life-blood of any organization. Even though many leaders think they are the key to organizational success, it is employees that are the eyes, ears, muscle, and brain that keep things running. When you have the attitude that it is you and not your employees that deserve the credit you tend to stop hearing what they have to say. This is a mistake that can have dire consequences. So, why is it so important to hear your employees?

What do they see?

If you don’t hear them, you will never know what they see. You can’t be everywhere and you can’t see everything. Your employees are your eyes on the floor, at the job site, in client meetings, and in the hallways. They are witness to many things that you really need to be aware of. If you aren’t willing to listen to them you will never know what they see.

What do they hear?

If you don’t hear them, they will never share what they hear. It is impossible for you to pay attention to every sound or every word. Your employees are your ears. They hear the hum of the machinery. They hear conversations between clients and colleagues. They hear the concerns of other employees. If you aren’t willing to listen to them, you will not know a piece of equipment sounds different until it is breaks down. They will not share the information they gained from conversations they have participated in or overheard. You will never know what they hear.

What do they know?

If you don’t hear them, you will never benefit from what they know. Every employee brings with them a unique set of skills, knowledge, and experience. It is the combination of these three factors that make each employee one of a kind. If you are not willing to listen to them, you will never know what knowledge they have to offer.

Are You Willing to Listen?

Your employees have so much to share. If only you could see everything they see. If only you could hear everything they hear. If only you had access to everything they know. Wait, you can and do if only you are willing to listen. Can you hear them now?

 

 

© 2016 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Liz Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the Founder of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations change attitudes, change communication dynamics, improve collaboration and problem-solving, engage employees, and strengthen organizational culture. Liz holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Liz by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

 

Communication, Leadership, Listening

What Happens When You Don’t Listen?

telephone

“The art of effective listening is essential to clear communication, and clear communication is necessary to management success.” —James Cash Penney

We hear leadership experts incessantly harping on the importance of communication to effective leadership. But, is it going in one ear and out the other? There are two parts to communication. One, of course, being the sharing of information and emotions with others. The second being truly listening when others are sharing thoughts, ideas, feelings, and information. For some reason, the listening side of communication seems to be the hardest. So, what happens when you don’t listen?

Lack of empathy

When you don’t listen it’s impossible to have empathy. How can you determine how you would feel if you were in another’s shoes if you don’t listen to their details and emotions? Listening allows you to find points of connection with others on a deeper level; it allows you to empathize with their lived experiences.

Lack of understanding

When you don’t listen you miss out on gaining understanding. There is something you can learn from everyone you interact with but, you’re going to have to start listening. You never know, they might have insights to offer that you can’t see; you won’t know unless you listen.

Lack of appreciation

When you don’t listen others feel unappreciated. There is nothing that shows that you value someone more than truly listening to them. Listen without ulterior motives, without a prepared response, and without judgment shows true appreciation for who they are and what they have to share.

Lack of respect

When you don’t listen you show a blatant lack of respect. Turning a deaf ear sends the message that you think you know more than they do, that you see no value in what they may have to share, and that you don’t have enough respect for them to hear them out. Truly listening is an easy way to show respect for others and to earn their respect in return.

Start Listening

Communication is vital component in successful leadership. The importance of the listening side of the communication equation is often minimized because it is so easy to do, yet so easy not to do. When you don’t listen, it makes it impossible to empathize with others. You may also miss out on important information and insights. Listening shows others that you appreciate and value them. It is also a sign of respect. Maybe it’s time for you to start listening.

What step will you take today to show someone that you are truly listening?

 

 

© 2016 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Liz Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the Founder of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Liz holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Liz by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.