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Communicating Starts With Listening …
May 30, 2023
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I’m as guilty as others when it comes to hearing, but not listening. It's an important skill when it comes to communicating with co-workers. Sometimes we need to listen to communicate better and before sharing an idea with anyone. We also need to be more flexible and open to different communication styles. To start with, let's keep our minds focused in the moment when listening to the words of others.
Listen ...
Active listening also involves paying attention to non-verbal cues as well. Body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice all provide valuable information that complements the spoken words. By being attuned to these cues, we can get a better understanding of the speaker's emotions, intentions, and the basis of their message.Too Busy Judging …
I've been in meetings where afterwards the only thing some co-workers talked about was the style of how someone shared their thoughts. Don’t get hung up on that stuff, pay attention to the words coming out of someone’s mouth. Stop judging how information is presented and focus on the substance.Styles Vary ...
In radio, just like any other profession, you’ll come across bosses, co-workers, and clients with a variety of communication styles. Some may not fit your ethical or moral code, but don’t let that stop you from learning. Don't look for yourself in others or get caught up with the occasional verbal theatrics of others.He Yelled …
During my brief time working in car sales, I worked for a General Manager (GM) of a dealership who had a commanding communication style. In meetings, he stressed the importance of quickly determining if a customer was on the lot to buy a car. The GM would tell us to ask, "If a deal can be made today, will you buy a car and drive it home?" Although many were put off by his over-the-top verbal style in meetings, I learned to focus solely on his messages.The Best I Ever Saw ...
I once worked for a Program Director who had a combination of styles that to this day, I still review in my mind. Her style of communicating was effective with a high level of comprehension. Never had I ever experienced such levels of listening with a group of colleagues. I knew it to be true because of the way co-workers put her ideas into motion.Captivating …
She was analytical with attention to detail, a supportive mentor who encouraged constructive feedback, and a visionary with storytelling abilities that made you see the big picture. I know people listened in our meetings, because it was cult like in the way many would repeat what she had said. Her style made you listen and not just “Hear in one ear and have it go out the other.”You Better Learn ...
Many things have changed around us, but the importance of listening has not. Everything around us hedges on the best practices of communications. It begins and ends with listening and adapting to the communication styles of others. I hope you were listening to that little voice in your head while you read this. -
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