Hello Readers!
Happy Tuesday, and happy first Tuesday of the month where it doesn’t feel like a Monday!
Yesterday I ran a Strategy Day with a wonderful small business, where we bought together 7 members of the management team to strip back the business and rebuild the foundations.
By the end of the day I proudly sat back to see a team who listened to each other. Appreciated opinions. And worked together to source solutions.
And it got me thinking.
When your in the day-to-day grind of business, it’s so easy to stop listening and go into auto-drive.
Listening to your employees and colleagues is crucial for building a successful team and fostering a positive work environment.
Here are some secrets to help you become a better listener:
- Create a safe space: Make sure your employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment. Encourage open communication by acknowledging their ideas and providing constructive feedback.
- Practice active listening: Give your full attention to the speaker and avoid interrupting them. Paraphrase what they said to ensure you understand their perspective correctly.
- Ask open-ended questions: Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer. This shows you are interested in understanding their thoughts and feelings.
- Use nonverbal cues: Show that you are engaged in the conversation by nodding your head, maintaining eye contact, and using appropriate facial expressions.
- Follow up: After a conversation, summarize what you learned and follow up with any necessary actions. This shows that you value their input and are committed to making positive changes.
Point five is vital.
Action. Follow up. Show a point of change.
By implementing these secrets, you can create a culture of listening that empowers your employees and helps your team succeed.
Have a wonderful week
Sarah 👂
P.s if you need a strategy day to restart your business priorities, give me a shout
