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Leaders who listen well create company cultures where people feel heard, valued, and engaged. Here are three ways to practice listening more effectively—and to deepen your understanding of your team members. Listen until the end. Whether due to social anxiety or a desire to connect, people often begin planning what to say while the other person is still speaking. Instead of speaking too soon or turning the conversation back toward yourself, after the other person finishes speaking, take a moment to think about what you’ve just heard, then provide a slower, more thoughtful response. Listen to summarize, not to solve. Keep in mind that you don’t need to remember every single word the other person says. Instead, try to understand the big picture. This shows the speaker that your intention is to get on the same page and will help build a foundation of trust. Listen to learn values. When your employee shares a challenge with you, it’s an opportunity to learn more about what’s important to them. Ask yourself: “What story is my direct report telling themselves? How do their values impact their perception of the situation?” You may not be able to solve every issue in the moment, but acknowledging their values is a supportive response that can help create an engaging environment. Make it a great day! |
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