HOW TO LISTEN TO YOUR STAFF

Posted on Tuesday, 1st November - 2022, in ADVICE & TIPS, by Saki Mimura

Do You Think You Are A Good Listener? Your Staff Might Not Think So…

A lot of business consultants and researchers emphasise the importance of communication in the workplace, and listening is a crucial part of communicating with people. However, listening can be hard. Even when you think you are listening to somebody, they might not think you are listening to them. 

You may consider listening as one-way communication from a speaker to a listener, but it can- and often should- be two-way or circular. 

Here, let’s explore how to successfully listen at work as a manager. 

WHAT DOES LISTENING MEAN IN A WORKPLACE?

Listening in a workplace is more than just hearing what your colleagues say in a daily conversation. It is about showing that each of your employees matters to you and your company. 

How To Effectively Listen To Our Staff

Below are some steps you can take for successful listening in your workplace. 

STEP 1) ACTIVELY SEEK OPINIONS FROM YOUR EMPLOYEES

When you ask your employees, or even your colleagues, what they think about a certain issue, how would they respond? The Ted Talk speaker Chris White tells his story when he asked his colleague for her opinion on a matter, she paused for a while and said “I have never been asked what I think at work before.” As a manager, you need to make sure this does not happen with any of your employees. 

This is because when your employees do not feel their opinions matter to their boss and the company, they will stop caring about their job as much as they used to. This can cause you a very unhealthy workplace that would ultimately disrupt your company’s growth, as you would see a decline in productivity, motivation, and creativity of your employees. 

Hence, make the question “What do YOU think?” the driving force of your daily conversations with your employees. You should also hold 1 on 1 meetings frequently and seek feedback from your staff on their workplace and other matters. And of course, you need to carefully listen to what follows after you ask for their opinions. 

STEP 2) RESPOND TO THE OPINIONS

Listening in a workplace does not end when you ask your employees for their ideas and show your recognition. You need to respond to the opinions they bring to you. 

DO NOT DENY THEIR OPINIONS OR FEELINGS

When you respond, you should not ever deny your employees’ perspectives or how they feel on an issue. You can disagree on the issue, and you don’t have to feel the same way as your staff, but you just need to understand the fact that they think or feel that way. 

It is indeed a very crucial tip for any type of communication. It is like playing catch. They throw you a ball, you catch it. You don’t smash it down or swallow it. You just catch it and recognise it as it is. 

SHOW THAT YOU ARE WORKING ON IT

After you acknowledge your employees’ opinions on a problem, your job is to try and fix it. Get your employees involved in the fixing process so that they can see your effort in attempting to solve the issue. 

STEP 3) FIND A WAY FORWARD

Listening still continues after you make your decision on a matter. You need to follow up. If your employees still feel their issues are not fixed or improved you need to make sure those issues are addressed continuously. It is an endless process, but it certainly brings you a lot of benefits to your company and your workplace in the long term. The more your employees show their perspectives as a result of your listening, the more problems or agendas you are able to see and pay attention to. 

CONCLUSION

Listening is one of the most important aspects of communication in the workplace. It takes your time and effort as a manager, and it is a crucial part of your job to make sure your employees feel heard and considered important by their superiors and the company. It is never too late to start off. Go talk to your staff and ask the question today! 

Unique Team Building offers a wide range of programs for you to listen to your employees. Sometimes it can be hard for both you and each of your staff to quietly sit down and exchange opinions in your workplace. Use our team building activities as your place to kick off a conversation. Talking with you casually in a different environment can boost your trust and build a strong connection with each other. 

Email us or call 07 3186 1026.