One of the most common complaints is this: no one seems to listen to me. As a leader, this becomes a real problem, because if there are not receptors for your message, no action will be taken.
Here's a key thing to remember. . .speak when people are ready to listen.
Contemplate your own listening habits. There are times when you really don't want to hear what someone is trying to say. You may be tired. You may be pissed off. There may be a hundred and one other things going on and there is not capacity to take on. . .one. . .more. . .thing.
What is true for you is also true for the people to whom you are speaking. They have the same emotions and competing priorities as you. . .and just as you may not be receptive to certain messages at certain times. . .neither is your audience.
What exacerbates this dynamic is often when we decide to say something. . .we believe it NEEDS TO BE SAID RIGHT NOW.
To be sure that your message is heard. . .slow your roll and do an honest evaluation of the receiving parties' ability to listen to what you need to say.
This requires restraint, patience and the ability to read your audience. Observe the other individual. Think of the information they have given you ("I'm in a really good mood today," vs. "It must be a full moon.") To be able to do this well, you also need to invest in time to spend with your team, which always is one of the wisest investments you can make at work.
You are too busy to be wasting time communicating when people aren't listening. Find the time (and the mood) in which people are receptive. . .then go for it. What you will say will go a whole lot further.
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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available for 2.99 from Amazon Kindle.
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