Listening to TRULY and FULLY understand someone is a SKILL. Listening requires effort; it requires focus and it requires attention. It. Is. Hard. Work. Period.
How WELL do you listen to others? When a point is made, a conclusion is expressed, an opinion is shared, an anwer is offered or instructions are given, how CLEAR are you on what was said? Are you sure you fully understood? Without question?
Not clear? Not sure what was meant? Instructions a bit ambiguous? It's YOUR JOB to clear the water. It is YOUR JOB to understand. It's ALWAYS your job to make sure YOU fully "get it."
Try this today .... Build CONFIRMATION into your conversations. When something important is said, an important point is made, or instructions are given by someone ... consider using one or more of the following "confirmation techniques" to confirm YOUR undertanding:
- "Here's what I thought I heard you say ____________________. Am I correct?"
- "Please correct me if I am wrong, but here's what I think I heard you say _______________? Is that right?"
- "Ok, so here's my understanding of your point ____________________. Did I misinterpret anything? Did I miss anything?"
- "Let me repeat back what I think you said, and please let me know if I heard you correctly."
EVEN WHEN you THINK you DO fully get it, building confirmation into the conversation is STILL a smart thing to do. Confirm anyway. Simply MAKE IT A HABIT. Always .... All the time.
Look for an opportunity TODAY to build confirmation into a conversation.
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: Andy@CRGLeaders.com, 239-285-5575
Comments