When it comes to communication, we all tend to think we’re pretty good at it. Truth is, even those of us who are good communicators aren’t nearly as good as we think we are. This overestimation of our ability to communicate is magnified when interacting with people we know well. Researchers at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business… Read more →
Active listening is a skill that is often overlooked, but it’s a big problem in management-employment communications. Manager-leaders who practice and embrace active listening will benefit from improved relationships with their employees, and ultimately a more productive and happy team. The art of active listening Active listening is a method of listening in which the listener clearly understands what the… Read more →
The meaning of our communication is based on the response we get from the other person. It is pointless to insist on a meaning that is lost on the listener, especially when the response you get is entirely separate from your intent. When communicating with others, what matters more: what we intend to convey, or the response we get? Who… Read more →
“I’m experienced, competent, ethical and knowledgeable – so why don’t I have more paying clients?” Having all of the above traits doesn’t prevent a big fear – the fear of selling (oh, that horrible word) your services. There is no way you can avoid selling, so how can you make it less scary? Have the right attitude. I’ve heard consultants… Read more →
The most prominent reason for the lack of effective team work in an organisation is simple to pin-point: it’s poor listening. Or the lack of it altogether. Listening – a well-tuned ear increases mutual respect and teamwork. From the CEO’s office to the shop floor, listening can spell the difference between cooperation and mistrusting and jealousy.
Explore every person’s ideas fully and politely. Discipline yourself to listen and understand others’ ideas. Don’t argue or debate but explore and support. Demonstrate your openness and trust in others. Be an active contributor and consolidator of ideas.