NOTICE ARCHIVE - 14/11/2022If you truly have interest in what other people have to say, that means, not just showing some fake interest, then you should really take in their message. Then you make those people feeling better, as they will understand they are important. Good listener, good connection and good support system leads to agood relationship.
All starts with the ability to be a good listener. When you really listen to people they feel you are trustworthy, that you respect them and they feel valued. Which of course gives you high credit.
Listening skill is one of the most important skills for a leader.
How can you improve this skill?
Listen to understand. Ask if something not is clear, make sure you understand what is the content in the message – even if you don´t agree. If you try to interrupt for imposing your own view or ideas, you can be understood as disrespectful. Everything has its time in a conversation and you can later present your opinion in a polite and respectful way.
Try to put yourself in the situation and history of the speaker and you will more easily be able to deal and reflect on your both views.
Give your full attention. Eye contact and body language in syntony with the speaker make it all easier to both speak and listen. Small distractions from you can spoil the connection as the speaker can interpret your signals as you are not really interested. If it seems you are just faking, you are also not considered trustful.
Instead of interrupt with critics, you can reiterate what is spoken. That must not mean you agree, but it is a proof that you really are listening. The speaker understand that you got the message. You don´t have to repeat word for word, you can reflect the message with other expressions.
You can show empathy if you really agree with the message, the speaker will then understand you both got the message and he got your support. However, if not the case, take it easy with the emotions, be neutral, at least until it´s your turn to speak.
Finally, if your opinion is different, you can keep a good relation by asking if you may give an advice or proposal. If you get a no, be silent or just inform that you have another opinion and finish the discussion by making it clear that your responsibility is zero in this case. If you are in a leader position and this is your subordinate, you must make it clear that you have listened and analyzed, but made up your own decision, exempting him or her from due and duty in this case.
