Communicating During Our New Normal - Part 2

Listening Traps to Avoid

What an interesting week this has been as more and more businesses wrestle with the logistics and the economics of reopening.  People, including business owners, struggle with how to go about re-engaging socially and the absolute necessity to do so safely.

We have seen that not everyone agrees. Now more than ever it’s critical to ramp up our listening skills in order to gain a better understanding of the other person’s point of view

Have you ever noticed how GOOD it feels to be really listened to? It’s impactful, particularly when the listening goes beyond just the words you’re speaking. That kind of artful listening conveys respect and value to the speaker and promotes positive relationships
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When we speak, we have our own visualization of what our message means.  As a result, sometimes hearing the message through someone else’s filters is not the same.

For leaders, and for the rest of us, listening can be a challenge and just plain hard work.  To help us keep our listening channels open here five communication traps we should avoid.

Tuning Out—Not paying attention to the speaker due to disinterest in the speaker or subject.  Thinking about other things or multitasking.

Rehearsing—Concentrating on what to say or do next rather than focusing on the speaker’s message. Planning the next steps before the speaker has finished.

Detachment—Remaining emotionally detached from the speaker, concerned with content only and not the feelings behind it. Only half listening or not interacting thereby missing the message’s underlying meaning.

Judging—Having a different opinion that causes you to block out new ideas and information or lose track of the conversation. Over analyzing the speaker’s delivery of the message causing you to miss the point.

Controlling the Conversation—Failure to allow the speaker to talk at his or her own pace. Constantly interrupting with comments or questions.

If you find yourself falling into any of these communication traps, take a moment to assess why and then refocus your attention.

In next week’s Communicating During Our New Normal – Part 3 we’ll explore the Brilliant Leader Program’s critical steps to avoid these common communication traps. We’ll also be sharing other important tips to help you reconnect as you keep moving forward. 

Until then, stay safe, be kind, and most importantly, be patient.

Remember, Leadership is not about titles or the corner office. It’s about the willingness to step up, put yourself out there, and to be courageous. The world is desperate for braver leaders. It’s time for everyone to step up.

Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications