The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

LISTENING TO YOUR TEAM / 285

Getting the message

Start by trying to see things from the

speaker’s point of view, and let your

actions demonstrate this. Show interest

with your body language: look the

speaker in the eyes and maintain an

open and nonthreatening posture.

Give the speaker physical signs of

>>^ Listening regularly to difficult

material to hone your

listening ability

>>Giving your full and undivided^

attention to the speaker

>>^ Listening to the argument in the

speaker’s terms, and in the order

he or she wishes to follow

>>Focusing on the reasons for the

speaker’s approach and discussion

>>>Assuming that everything

interesting should be provided

in written form

>>>Pretending to listen while actually

doing something else

>>^ Criticizing the speaker’s delivery^

and interrupting the flow of what

they are saying to ask questions

>>Assuming you already know what

the issue is and how to resolve it

LISTENING ACTIVELY

Do’s Don’ts

your undivided attention: close the

door, hold your calls, and put aside

whatever you’re working on.

Listen carefully to how something

is said: look out for hints of sarcasm,

cynicism, or irony in what you hear.

Try to tune in to the speaker’s mood

and intention. Communication is a

shared responsibility, so it is up to you to

ensure that you understand the message.

Once you have listened to what a

person has to say and clarified anything

you’re not sure of, evaluate the facts

and evidence. Ask yourself whether

the evidence is recent, reliable,

accurate, and relevant.

To become a better listener,

you need to stop talking,

stop trying to carry on more

than one conversation, and

stop interrupting and let

the other person speak

US_284-285_Listeneing_Effectively.indd 285 30/05/16 3:04 pm