Listening well is the most important quality for a manager. From
my experience, this is definitely true. The most common complaints about
a manager are "He/she doesn't hear me. If you come from a non-English
speaking background, this can be a special challenge.
AVOID THESE BEHAVIORS
Managers with poor communication habits miss a lot. Often they are unaware of problems among their employees. In addition they may find it almost impossible to build trust, something that is so essential for the good work environment. Here are some of the comments I have heard about managers who are poor listeners:
The manager talks too much and I never get a chance to say anything
The manager always interrupts me when I am trying to say something.
The manager doesn't look at me when I'm talking.
The manager acts impatient, like I'm wasting his/her time.
The manager always answers the telephone and has a long conversation when we are talking in the office.
A GOOD MANAGER
The first quality of a good manager is silence. As they say "You can't hear someone if you are talking." Give your employee the chance to say what he/she has on her mind.
However, be aware of the difference between hearing and really understanding what they are trying to say. You can hear the words and maybe get a general idea of what the speaker is saying, but that is not enough.
When you really understand what the other is saying, you see things from the other person's point of view. When you take in the whole message, both verbal and non-verbal, then your employee will sense that you really understand what he/she is trying to say.
Good Practices for a Manager
Be quiet. Let others talk at least eighty percent of the time.
Ask good questions. This is a skill that they rarely teach you in business school, but it is essential for a good manager. Have some questions prepared, but by listening carefully, you will have others.
Have an environment where are no distractions such as ringing telephones or voices of others. It is best if you can have privacy.
Keep calm, don't show your emotions.
Don't interrupt.
Check for understanding. This is especially important if English is your second language. This means repeating in different words what you have heard and getting confirmation from the speaker.
A FINAL WORD
Communicating well takes an effort. It is worth it. You will have the trust of your employees and a productive team.
AVOID THESE BEHAVIORS
Managers with poor communication habits miss a lot. Often they are unaware of problems among their employees. In addition they may find it almost impossible to build trust, something that is so essential for the good work environment. Here are some of the comments I have heard about managers who are poor listeners:
The manager talks too much and I never get a chance to say anything
The manager always interrupts me when I am trying to say something.
The manager doesn't look at me when I'm talking.
The manager acts impatient, like I'm wasting his/her time.
The manager always answers the telephone and has a long conversation when we are talking in the office.
A GOOD MANAGER
The first quality of a good manager is silence. As they say "You can't hear someone if you are talking." Give your employee the chance to say what he/she has on her mind.
However, be aware of the difference between hearing and really understanding what they are trying to say. You can hear the words and maybe get a general idea of what the speaker is saying, but that is not enough.
When you really understand what the other is saying, you see things from the other person's point of view. When you take in the whole message, both verbal and non-verbal, then your employee will sense that you really understand what he/she is trying to say.
Good Practices for a Manager
Be quiet. Let others talk at least eighty percent of the time.
Ask good questions. This is a skill that they rarely teach you in business school, but it is essential for a good manager. Have some questions prepared, but by listening carefully, you will have others.
Have an environment where are no distractions such as ringing telephones or voices of others. It is best if you can have privacy.
Keep calm, don't show your emotions.
Don't interrupt.
Check for understanding. This is especially important if English is your second language. This means repeating in different words what you have heard and getting confirmation from the speaker.
A FINAL WORD
Communicating well takes an effort. It is worth it. You will have the trust of your employees and a productive team.
Larry J.Pitman is a teacher and consultant specializing in the
field of Business English. He combines his long experience as an
international executive with the skills of a trained teacher. His
website is loaded with useful tools for the manager whose first language
is not English. Check it out at http://www.learn-english-for-business-success.com
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