The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

LISTENING EFFECTIVELY / 217

Listening effectively

Giving advice

There will be times when you get the

impression that a conversation is

actually a request for advice. Be wary

of this. It’s better to be asked for advice

than to offer it unsolicited. If you really

feel you have something important to

contribute, ask the person whether your

advice is welcome, but be prepared to

be told “no.” Alternatively, give advice

by telling a personal story of how

you dealt with something similar.

Do this carefully, however—no

two circumstances are identical.

Empathizing with care

There are some times when

there is nothing you can do.

The person may be telling

you something simply to tell

someone. In this case, your

role is to listen carefully and

empathize, letting him or her

know you are always available

if you are needed. Above all,

when someone tells you

something in confidence,

keep that confidence.

CHECKLIST...

Listening well YES NO

Think about the last real conversation you had:

1 Was I really listening to what was being said? ................................

2 Were my responses appropriate while the speaker

was talking? ......................................................................................

3 Did my actions encourage or interrupt the flow? ...........................

4 Were my questions well crafted and appropriate? .........................

5 Did I close the discussion appropriately?........................................

6 Was I helpful? ....................................................................................

When you are truly listening,

the person talking to you will

realize and appreciate it

US_216-217_Listening_effectively.indd 217 30/05/16 3:03 pm