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Are you listening for what they say or listening for what you want to hear?
Employees not understanding the leader’s direction or request is a common problem. It also create the common outcome of high quality work not getting done and in this Monday Moment, we’re going to help you fix that. Most workplace miscommunications are based on one of two things: Listening and Personality. So what do leaders do to overcome those frequent barriers?
Listen Different
There is a significant difference in listening for what they say and listening for what you want to hear. The latter causes your response to be filtered through your style and your needs and then creates a response that is born of what you need from them, not what they need from you.
Personalification
We’re pretty sure, though more verification is in progress, that we’ve coined a new word. Personalification. This is the modification of one’s own natural communication style to meet and fit the needs of others. The act of Personalification enhances communication and when done well ensures the message you intended is the one received. Yet, to conduct personalification one must know your own natural tendencies, personality if you will, and that of those you lead.
When you want an employee to understand what you ask of them and carry out your request, the first place to look for pitfalls is in how you conveyed those directions. Then examine how and to what you listened. Did you hear what they said and didn’t say or did you merely interpret the words based on what you know them to mean. Did you ask clarifying questions? Did you confirm your own understanding before you shared your directions? These are good places to start to ensure more effective communication between leader and employee.
In addition, we would love your input. Download the two page description of Personalification. Complete the questions and share with us what you think by emailing your copy to info@contagiouscompanies.com.
I’m Monica Wofford and that’s your Monday Moment. Have a great week, an even better Monday, and of course, stay contagious!
