Are You Listening?
Many of the people issues in an organization stem from poor communication. While some of the problem might be attributed to the manner in which the message is delivered, we overlook the critical role of the person receiving the message. How skilled are you as a conversation “receiver”?
Level 1 Listening
When a colleague or a direct report is speaking to you about an issue (answer yes/no):
Is your attention focused on how the topic impacts you?
Can you hear your own voice in your head?
Are you primarily waiting for your turn to talk?
Let’s be honest, for most of us the answers are YES, YES, and YES. If those were your answers, we give you one point for hearing. This is you listening at Level 1. [Side note: if you are multi-tasking then you aren’t even hearing much of what is said. Zero points. This is you at Level 0.]
Level 2 Listening
To be an effective communicator, the next time you are having a conversation, try this instead:
Focus your complete attention on the speaker
Clear your inner voice and aim to learn the importance to the speaker underlying the words
Move beyond waiting for your turn; signal that you are open, receptive, and patient
Two points. This is you listening at Level 2.
Level 3 Listening
To up your game, notice the whole person.
Take in body language, eye contact, tone of voice, energy. Notice what isn’t being said.
Three points. This is you listening at Level 3.
Learn the art of listening at Levels 2 and 3
At WaterStone we help leaders create environments in which their people thrive. Contact us for Communications Workshops & One-on-One Executive Coaching.