Listen

Your team craves your attention and that you listen to them. Really listen to them. I can tell by others’ body language whether they’re listening to what I’m saying. Sometimes I’ll repeat something I said and the other person will react as if he is hearing it for the first time. Do you like being listened to? Do you enjoy being ignored? Do you know folks with whom you share the same personal story or anecdote and they never seem to remember it? How does that make you feel? Listening isn’t hard. You make and maintain eye contact, you take in body language along with the words, you integrate what the other person is saying in your responses, and if need be, if a name or specific detail is mentioned or shared, you repeat it in your mind to your self. I’m always struck by how few listen well. I’m bemused by how those who claim they are good listeners often aren’t. Next time, just listen. It really isn’t that hard and it’ll mean a great deal to the person doing the talking.