Communication Strategies To Fast Track Your Career
Communication Strategies To Fast Track Your Career
By J.T. Taylor, M.A.
LISTENING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY AMOUNT OF TECHNICAL SAVVY
What you know about listening to people has more to do with breaking into the highest levels of management than any amount of technical savvy. While working with over 4,000 managers to set workplace oriented, personal development goals, I have found that many of them struggle with one particular issue - they don't know how to listen effectively. Oh, these managers listen. That is not a problem. But most don't listen effectively. This article will coach you on how to use a tool you already have in your management toolbox. If you use this tool effectively, you can expect your stock to rise with senior management and your effectiveness to increase with your direct reports.
YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TOOL FOR LISTENING IS YOUR MOUTH
First, the tool. You've heard it before - "God gave you one mouth and two ears for a reason." However, in spite of this clever observation, the best tool for letting others know you are listening is not your ears - it is your mouth - if you use it right. Your mouth? Yes - if you use it right. Think about it. How do you know if someone has really listened to what you've just told them? The best clue is the first thing that comes out of their mouth.
Let's say you've been working on an idea for a long time, and you've just shared that idea with your boss, and he replies, "That's fine. However, right now, I need you to work on XYZ." You might wonder if your boss really heard you.
WHY MOST MANAGERS AREN'T GOOD LISTENERS
One of the main reasons managers don't listen effectively is they are so busy. Frantic schedules and tight deadlines are simply the reality for most managers. But listening effectively doesn't need to take lots of extra "warm fuzzy" time. You can push for productivity and listen effectively at the same time. For instance, here is a way that same boss could have handled the same conversation and validated that employee; "That's great! It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into this idea. How long have you been working on this?" By responding with an (on the topic) follow up question, the manager validates the employee and the employee knows they have been heard. The manager can then get right back on task; "You know, I want to explore your idea further, but right now we've got a tight deadline and I need you to do XYZ. Bring this up with me again when we have some more time, OK?" Asking a follow up question assures the person you have been listening. Try it in your next conversation and watch the results. It works!
REFLECTIVE LISTENING
Another tip for letting your mouth do the listening is reflective listening. This form of listening summarizes what a person has just shared and asks for a response. This works great in meetings, especially meetings where everyone seems to be saying the same thing over and over again (ever been to that meeting?)
My wife used reflective listening at a volunteer child care meeting recently. She was asked to come in and give input on how to manage the program. As new ideas were shared on how to improve the program the outgoing director would tell the volunteers why their ideas wouldn't work - she had tried them all. The meeting went nowhere fast. My wife began to listen to the director's frustration and mirror her emotions back to her in the form of questions. She used questions like these: "It sounds like you're disappointed that more parents didn't volunteer. Is that how you feel?" "If I'm hearing you right, you don't think a new check-in system would work because you tried something similar three years ago. Is that right?" It worked! The outgoing director calmed down and the meeting became productive.
WHEN PEOPLE REPEAT THEMSELVES IT IS OFTEN BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T FELT HEARD
Many times when people say the same thing again and again, or communicate with aggression or frustration, it is because they haven't felt heard. Reflective listening ensures a person's point is recognized, enabling the group to move forward. Reflective listening will keep your emp-ployees communicating and your meetings on target.
Managers who have mastered the art of communication are rare. You will be noticed and your career will move forward much quicker by letting your mouth do the listening.
LISTENING TIPS
Do make eye contact Don't interrupt
Do lean forward and show interest Don't finish other's sentences for them
Do mirror the other person's body language Don't multi-task when listening
You can find more team building articles at www.teambuildingusa.com. Team Building USA guarantees clients a 150% return on investment. You may reprint this article by requesting permission from: JTTaylor@teambuildingusa.com or by calling (866) 351-TEAM (8326).
Communication Strategies To Fast Track Your Career - To learn more about this author, visit JT Taylor's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
Communication Strategies To Fast Track Your Career
By J.T. Taylor, M.A.
LISTENING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY AMOUNT OF TECHNICAL SAVVY
What you know about listening to people has more to do with breaking into the highest levels of management than any amount of technical savvy. While working with over 4,000 managers to set workplace oriented, personal development goals, I have found that many of them struggle with one particular issue - they don't know how to listen effectively. Oh, these managers listen. That is not a problem. But most don't listen effectively. This article will coach you on how to use a tool you already have in your management toolbox. If you use this tool effectively, you can expect your stock to rise with senior management and your effectiveness to increase with your direct reports.
YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TOOL FOR LISTENING IS YOUR MOUTH
First, the tool. You've heard it before - "God gave you one mouth and two ears for a reason." However, in spite of this clever observation, the best tool for letting others know you are listening is not your ears - it is your mouth - if you use it right. Your mouth? Yes - if you use it right. Think about it. How do you know if someone has really listened to what you've just told them? The best clue is the first thing that comes out of their mouth.
Let's say you've been working on an idea for a long time, and you've just shared that idea with your boss, and he replies, "That's fine. However, right now, I need you to work on XYZ." You might wonder if your boss really heard you.
WHY MOST MANAGERS AREN'T GOOD LISTENERS
One of the main reasons managers don't listen effectively is they are so busy. Frantic schedules and tight deadlines are simply the reality for most managers. But listening effectively doesn't need to take lots of extra "warm fuzzy" time. You can push for productivity and listen effectively at the same time. For instance, here is a way that same boss could have handled the same conversation and validated that employee; "That's great! It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into this idea. How long have you been working on this?" By responding with an (on the topic) follow up question, the manager validates the employee and the employee knows they have been heard. The manager can then get right back on task; "You know, I want to explore your idea further, but right now we've got a tight deadline and I need you to do XYZ. Bring this up with me again when we have some more time, OK?" Asking a follow up question assures the person you have been listening. Try it in your next conversation and watch the results. It works!
REFLECTIVE LISTENING
Another tip for letting your mouth do the listening is reflective listening. This form of listening summarizes what a person has just shared and asks for a response. This works great in meetings, especially meetings where everyone seems to be saying the same thing over and over again (ever been to that meeting?)
My wife used reflective listening at a volunteer child care meeting recently. She was asked to come in and give input on how to manage the program. As new ideas were shared on how to improve the program the outgoing director would tell the volunteers why their ideas wouldn't work - she had tried them all. The meeting went nowhere fast. My wife began to listen to the director's frustration and mirror her emotions back to her in the form of questions. She used questions like these: "It sounds like you're disappointed that more parents didn't volunteer. Is that how you feel?" "If I'm hearing you right, you don't think a new check-in system would work because you tried something similar three years ago. Is that right?" It worked! The outgoing director calmed down and the meeting became productive.
WHEN PEOPLE REPEAT THEMSELVES IT IS OFTEN BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T FELT HEARD
Many times when people say the same thing again and again, or communicate with aggression or frustration, it is because they haven't felt heard. Reflective listening ensures a person's point is recognized, enabling the group to move forward. Reflective listening will keep your emp-ployees communicating and your meetings on target.
Managers who have mastered the art of communication are rare. You will be noticed and your career will move forward much quicker by letting your mouth do the listening.
LISTENING TIPS
Do make eye contact Don't interrupt
Do lean forward and show interest Don't finish other's sentences for them
Do mirror the other person's body language Don't multi-task when listening
You can find more team building articles at www.teambuildingusa.com. Team Building USA guarantees clients a 150% return on investment. You may reprint this article by requesting permission from: JTTaylor@teambuildingusa.com or by calling (866) 351-TEAM (8326).
Communication Strategies To Fast Track Your Career - To learn more about this author, visit JT Taylor's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 | |
 |
No article feedback found. |
| |
Leave Your Feedback |
 | |
| |||
George LudwigGeorge Ludwig is a recognized authority on sales strategy and peak performance psychology. An international speaker, trainer, and corporate consultant, he helps clients like Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, CIGNA, and numerous others improve sales force effectiveness and performance. Though it's George's strategies and processes that help corporations increase productivity and performance, it's his tremendous energy and dynamism that spark the transformation. Again and again, clients remark on his amazing ability to unleash human capacity and inspire men and women to break out of their comfort zones. The result is a whole new type of salesperson. His customized presentations teach achievers to make stunning advances in their lives. From helping salespeople realize cherished dreams to helping corporations exponentially accelerate revenue streams, George Ludwig leaves audiences and individuals empowered, emboldened, and clamoring for more. George is the best-selling author of Power Selling: Seven Strategies for Cracking the Sales Code and Wise Moves: 60 Quick Tips to Improve Your Position in Life & Business. - Visit George Ludwig's Website |
|||
Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
|||
John BrennanJohn Brennan Ed.D. Dr. Brennan is President of Interpersonal Development, LLC, a training and development firm. Interpersonal Development has provided sales training and coaching to more than 3,000 sales reps from over 100 companies. A native of Australia, Dr. Brennan received his doctorate from the University of Rochester. His dissertation researched the effectiveness of Behavioral Modeling Technology in training people in interpersonal skills. While he has spent most of his career designing or delivering training, he was also a Vice-President of Sales of a training and development franchise with operations in 25 markets. Dr. Brennan has designed and delivered sales training in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. He has been a guest speaker at numerous national and regional professional conferences. When Microsoft wanted Best Practices articles on sales for their web site, they called Dr. Brennan. The results are at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX011387391033.aspx His firm’s clients have included Volvo, The Prudential, Merrill Lynch, Eastman Kodak, Gannett, Equifax Europe, the Economist Group and countless small businesses. - Visit John Brennan's Website |
|||
David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
|||
Staging DivaDebra Gould, aka The Staging Diva®, is President of Six Elements Inc., an internationally recognized home staging company. Inspired by many requests from aspiring home stagers wanting to start similar businesses, Gould created the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program. Gould has trained over 1000 Staging Diva Graduates worldwide to start staging businesses. Buying decorating and selling six of her own homes in four years lead to an interest in real estate staging which she turned into a career with the launch of sixelements.com in 2002. Since then she has staged hundreds of homes in addition to teaching home staging training. Gould is the author of several home staging resources including a series of popular ebooks made up of a Design Guide, Color Guide and Portfolio Guide. For more information about Debra Gould visit stagingdiva.com. - Visit Staging Diva's Website |
|||
Stephanie RobeyStephanie Robey is President and CoFounder of Pivot Positive, LLC - an Internet marketing business focused on helping people start work at home ventures. Previously, she was employed at The Search Agency with over 20 years experience in graphic design and 10 years experience in online marketing. She was responsible for launching the Conversion Path Optimization (CPO) unit where she and her team have conducted hundreds of optimization tests for online companies across multiple verticals. She is a successful entrepreneur having started and sold 2 companies and remains on the board of directors of the third, PhotoSpin.com Stephanie began her career in the direct marketing realm creating and producing direct mail for many of the major cable television companies and directly attributes her understanding of Internet marketing to those early offline experiences. Stephanie is a graduate of San Diego State University with a BFA in Graphic Arts and also holds an Executive MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. Read Steph's Blog Meet Steph and Dave Sign up for our Free 7-Day BootCamp: Self Employed & Rich - Visit Stephanie Robey's Website |
|||
|
To learn more about the Evan Elite Author Program please contact us. | |||
 | |
|  |
Subscribe to JT's articles
 | |
|
|  |
 | |
|
| |
 | |||||||
|
 | ||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
|
| ||
 |
| Have you written articles that would be of value to entrepreneurs? Become an expert on our site by publishing them! Expose yourself to a wide audience, drive more traffic to your website and get more sales! Click Here for details. |
|
|
 |
| Modeling the Masters: Learn the true secrets behind Walt Disney's business success factors & grow your company! Video produced by Phanta Media |
|
|
 |
"Learn straight from Evan how you can Make a Full Time Income (And More) from a Website"
Click Here To Learn More |
|
|
|
|
Get advice & tips from famous business owners, new articles by entrepreneur experts, my latest website updates, & special sneak peaks at what's to come!
|
|
|
 Leadership Audit For Business Universal Search Speed Business Networking Business Financing Adopting Creative Thinking |
|
 | ||
 |
Top 50 Business Plans
Top Business Plan Blogs | |
 |
The Top 10 Guy Kawasaki Posts
Best Posts for Entrepreneurs | |
| ||
 | ||||
| ||||
|
| ||||
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Email us your ideas on how to make our website more valuable! Thank you Sharon from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for your suggestions to make the newsletter look like the website and profile younger entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez and Sean Combs!
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||