Management Tips from RIVERTALKERS - toastmasters
Written by rivertalkers
|
15 October 2010
This column is sponsored by AC Belliveau Veinotte Inc
Are you a good listener?
If so, how do you KNOW you are a good listener? Listening isn’t just about being quiet while someone else is speaking, listening should be active. In order to be an effective manager or leader, listening is a crucial skill – but it is a skill many leaders today are lacking.
As a supervisor or a manager, you may be required to resolve conflict, to understand and coach an employee through a difficult situation. Listening (really listening) allows the best opportunity to understand the situation empathetically, from the other person’s perspective. Listening helps people to feel both safe and understood.
Tips for listening effectively:
- Maintain eye contact
- Pay attention! Don’t let your mind wander, stay focused on what is being said
- Don’t interrupt
- Watch for non-verbal messages you are receiving
- Be aware of your body language – don’t send improper messages
- Keep an open mind – you do not have to agree, but try to understand their point of view
- Practice, practice, practice
To become a better leader, you must first become a better listener – to listen to those you are following as well as those that you are leading. Listening is a skill you can develop the more you train yourself to do it effectively. Toastmasters focuses on the development of leadership skills and can help you to develop your listening potential! Contact us today!
Website: www.rivertalkers.ca
Email:
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Non members are invited to an Open House scheduled for Wednesday, October 20th at 6:30 pm at NSCC campus on High Street in Bridgewater. Visit and find out for yourself what Toastmasters can offer you...no obligation.
