Most companies understand that listening is the key to employee retention, productivity, and positive company culture. To ensure success, many companies appoint chief listening officers, hire consultants, or use initiatives such as exit interviews when employees leave the company.

These activities can help companies gain valuable insights into how employees feel about the workplace.

Most leaders know active listening is critical to success in sales and marketing. However, don’t overlook the importance of internal communication as well.

Listening creates an environment where employees feel heard and valued. Making this practice ongoing rather than just an annual corporate event helps to ensure it’s instilled within a team’s culture.

Active listening is key to connecting and understanding others. But are you taking advantage of it in all the right places? Consider the following listening opportunities.

What is active listening?

Active listening is an invaluable skill that builds bridges of understanding between two or more parties. Rather than simply talking and waiting for a response, active listening seeks to uncover the needs, wants, and desires to create meaningful connections.

“I only wish I could find an institute that teaches people how to listen. Business people need to listen at least as much as they need to talk. Too many people fail to realize that real communication goes in both directions.”

— Lee Iacocca

Rely on a continuous listening approach

According to Deloitte, companies can continuously evaluate employees and managers with “pulse” surveys that collect anonymous feedback in real time.

This allows for quicker response times, improved productivity, and up-to-date insight into how workers and their supervisors perform.

Depending on the organization’s size, several everyday listening tactics can be used to engage with and listen to employees.  Here are a few to consider.

#1. Meetings

During each meeting, adopt the habit of paraphrasing contributions, reviewing decisions and action items, and asking the team to clarify their point of view before disagreeing. Gauge each individual’s comprehension through careful questioning, letting everyone know they’re heard. And wrap up with a collective analysis of how well you all worked together.

#2.  Brainstorming

Brainstorming sessions can be a great way to tap into new ideas.  But these types of meetings can be insightful in hearing how employees feel about their workplace or team.  Before the session begins, set ground rules on how each employee is being asked to contribute and listen.  It’s essential that everyone involved listens rather than judging new ideas. This open-minded approach fosters innovation while avoiding the pitfalls of stifling innovative thinking.

#3.  Town Hall Meetings

Capture questions asked during town hall meetings. Let employees voice their opinions without any hesitation. Paraphrasing each question can help ensure all attendees are on the same page. Ask for post-meeting feedback in a poll to learn what employees feel about the topics discussed.

#4.  Delegating

When delegating tasks, it’s important to make sure you don’t just talk at people. Instead of giving them a directive and expecting immediate compliance, take the time to really understand their concerns, objections, and questions.

Listening carefully and paraphrasing can help create a two-way dialogue instead of a one-sided monologue.  In addition to compliance, you want true commitment.

#5.  Emails and voicemails

When replying to emails or voicemails, try paraphrasing the sender’s message. This helps you frame your response to capture their thoughts and feelings accurately.

How to practice listening during difficult conversations

#6.  Performance reviews

When it’s time to have a challenging conversation about performance or policy compliance, you may feel tempted to fight back. Yet the key is taking on an empathetic outlook instead.

Paraphrasing your employee’s defensive reactions before re-stating your concern.  This will ensure their understanding and create space for compromise.

#7.  Intervention

If you sense that your team is not engaged, don’t ignore it. Instead, take the time to read their non-verbal cues – like if they’re on their smartphones or checking watches during meetings.

Take time to ask what’s going on. Then listen carefully; this can be an invaluable way of getting your group back on track.

Final thoughts

Poor managerial listening can have far-reaching and detrimental effects in the workplace, from decreased engagement to skyrocketing turnover.

Creating an environment of genuine listening within your company is essential for building great internal communication and creating a sense of trust and respect. 

Managers can greatly improve their one-on-one listening skills with simple steps, such as providing a safe space for open dialogue, setting aside time for regular listening sessions, and following up with constructive feedback. 

Furthermore, investing in positive listening practices will create an atmosphere of mutual respect in the workplace, leading to improved morale and better overall productivity.

If you need help with your internal communications, let Constant Communicators help.

We specialize in helping organizations create cohesive, effective communication plans that engage everyone.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your internal communications.