Listen like a leader

One day, a conversation took place between husband and wife: Husband: I was just listening to the radio on my way into town. Apparently, an actress just killed herself. Wife: Oh my! Who?! Husband: Uh, I can't remember...I think her name was Reese or something. Wife: WITHERSPOON!!!!!!! Husband: No, it was with a knife! You have a funny feeling this conversation is not going anywhere.

- FRANCIS J. KONG

You have a funny feeling this conversation is not going anywhere.

Do you know that there are a lot of conversations and discussions in the workplace that don't get anywhere?

Effective communication is the backbone of any business or organization. Whether it's in-person, during a "back to the office" setup, or through remote work, clear and consistent communication is essential for achieving goals and ensuring that tasks are completed successfully.

Effective communication occurs only when the sender (speaker) conveys a message clearly, and the receiver (listener) fully understands and connects with it. Often, what is mistaken as communication is merely "perceived communication," where there is a belief that the message was understood, but accurate, effective communication is lacking. This reality leads to the famous playwright George Bernard Shaw's quote:

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."

While some people struggle with communication, the listener holds significant power in steering the conversation toward clarity. Today, I'll focus on how the listener can play an active role in ensuring effective communication.

If you analyze your habits, you can find many ways you could be a better listener. Let me illustrate:

You check your smartphone while an employee is presenting or briefing you on a project.