There’s no denying that every organization thrives on seamless communication, but good communication isn’t a one-way street. On the one hand, you need to implement storytelling as a means of sparking discussion, while on the other, you need listening to make storytelling effective.
That said, listening is not without its series of obstacles. People can become distracted by a wide range of factors such as various noises, smells, poor lighting, hunger, tiredness, or another physical discomfort. It’s possible they’re upset or have something on their mind, perhaps they have certain feelings towards the speaker, or maybe it’s the speaker’s tone of voice that’s distracting.
As an HR leader, it’s important to be aware of these possible distractions and listening obstacles, both in regards to themselves and others. When leaders are distracted or annoyed by something, it’s important for them to let their workers know about it and that these issues may affect their listening. That’s because they will be watching your responses and will often take it personally. But by letting them know, you’ll be opening up communication and creating a connection, which in turn heightens attention to the discussion at hand.
This technique can be done when having a personal conversation, online, or even with a large group of people within a meeting. Below are several steps to help HR leaders create an environment that promotes better listening.
How to Create a Listening-Friendly Environment?
- To create a listening-friendly environment, HR leaders should first clearly communicate the meeting's purpose and timing, then establish a dedicated, private space with appropriate lighting and noise levels. It's also crucial to address any immediate distractions from attendees and ensure all discussions are recorded for future reference. These steps help maximize communication skills and identify potential impediments to effective listening within the workplace.
It falls under the responsibility of the HR leader to find ways for employees to maximize their communication skills. Among these, listening plays an incredibly crucial role. You can work with your leadership team to uncover the best strategies regarding communication as well as identify all potential distractions that exist in your workspace that may impede listening.
How are you creating an environment of listening in your workplace? I am always looking for examples and case studies. I would welcome a brief conversation with you. Let’s connect on https://go.oncehub.com/GregNichvalodoff or greg@inscapeconsulting.com
