When it comes to skills that a leader in business ought to possess, listening is rated as amongst the most important. Although many people “hear” what is said in the day-to-day operations of a company or organisation, few have mastered the art of truly listening.
Teryl Schroenn, CEO of Accsys, believes the principle can be applied in the workplace and outside the office.
The Company is a proud member of the Business Connexion (BCX) Group and national supplier of people management software and hardware solutions within HR, payroll and time & attendance.
Schroenn has debated the topic in her blog and is of the opinion that those in authority (including parents) need to listen and hear what is being said, and try to understand the motivation behind what they are being told.
“Ian Mann, in his book Managing with Intent, writes that it is the communicator’s responsibility to confirm that there is clarity. In management, that is true, but it is also true that managers need to dig a little more deeply when they are being given information. It is also a good idea to create a listening space, in other words away from a desk and other distractions,” Schroenn adds.
In practice, Accsys’ executive leader explains that there are plenty of instances when listening becomes imperative to the success of processes and procedures.
One example is in meetings when people take some time to share a thought and often repeat the same thought in a number of ways.
“Many of us tend to get impatient. Managing very wordy, woolly conversations as the listener is a skill. It takes practice and patience. However, there are times when meetings have to be ended, with a promise to take the matter forward in a smaller group or at a point when there is time to allow the full story to unfold,” Schroenn continues.
In her experience as a business leader and successful entrepreneur, Schroenn says offering people the gift of one’s attention can be advantageous and there could be growth opportunities for all parties concerned.
