"Nature has given us one tongue, but two ears,that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak."
- Epictetus, Greek philosopher (A.D. 55 – A. D. 135)
I am quite certain that coworkers rarely utter the following words: “I don't like that person, she listens too much.”
Basics in Internal Organizational Communications
by Carter McNamara
Most experts on organizations, management and leadership, assert that effective communications is the foundation for effectiveness in any type of organization. They assert there can't be too much communication. Some leaders misinterpret communications to be the same as paperwork or bureaucracy and so they're averse to a high degree of communications. As leaders and managers mature, they realize the need to effective convey and receive information, and efforts at communications (internal and external) increase substantially.
The Top 10 Steps to Create Winning Teams Out of Ordinary, Self-Centered Individuals
By Naseem Mariam
In any business, prosperity and success is the result of teamwork and synergy. Often we come across a set of brilliant individuals and wish that we could make them work together for the greater good of the whole organization.
Here are the ingredients of the gel that brings self-centered individuals together to form winning teams...
As the great sage, Yogi Berra once said, “You can see a lot, just by listening.” Centuries ago, the Chinese echoed this sentiment as the Chinese character for "listen" consists of pictures of the ear, eye, and heart. Listening effectively goes far beyond the simple act of allowing sound to vibrate the eardrum.
Recommended Reading: Communicating at Work
by Tony Alessandra
In today's competitive workplace, your ability to communicate is a critical business skill. This valuable handbook to better business communication can help you develop the skills you need to succeed. Using real-life examples, it offers practical, easy-to-use instruction in writing effective memos and reports, making memorable presentations, and leading productive meetings. It also introduces key telephone skills, shows you how to interpret body language and personal communication styles -- and teaches you the critical listening and questioning skills you need to get ahead.
The Conference Board found that only 50 of 150 companies rated the capacity of their leaders to meet business challenges as good or excellent. While Workforce.com reported that 83% of organizations surveyed felt their organization had a leadership vacuum, with those most lacking skills were at the two highest leadership levels.
Words of Wisdom:
"It's a mistake to think we listen only with our ears. It's much more important to listen with the mind, the eyes, the body, and the heart. Unless you truly want to understand the other person, you'll never be able to listen." - Mark Herndon
