{"id":3821,"date":"2019-04-12T09:10:40","date_gmt":"2019-04-12T09:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stl-training.co.uk\/b\/?p=3821"},"modified":"2023-12-31T01:54:12","modified_gmt":"2023-12-31T01:54:12","slug":"improve-your-listening-skills-be-a-better-leader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stl-training.co.uk\/b\/improve-your-listening-skills-be-a-better-leader\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Improve your Listening Skills to be a better Leader"},"content":{"rendered":"

Read any book or article about the necessary talents to be a great Leader, and effective communication skills are dominate, particularly the ability to be a great listener. Mastering listening is one of the five key essentials in communication that every Manager needs.<\/a><\/p>\n

To get you started, follow these 5 practical tips:<\/p>\n

1) Use open questions, not just closed<\/strong><\/h4>\n

When you want to uncover your customers needs, improve your negotiation techniques, or understand why there is conflict, use open questions. They are key in understanding the other persons position.<\/p>\n

Some people get into the habit of asking closed questions or searching for quick \u2018yes\u2019 or \u2018no\u2019 responses. They make assumptions to try and save time. Open questions are powerful initiators to the art of listening and begin with who, where, what, how and why?<\/p>\n

2) Adapt your listening style to the other person\u2019s culture.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>When working with international clients and colleagues, it\u2019s important to adapt your listening style. I worked in Asia for 10 years and found that professionals in China are extremely respectful. They listen intensely to others, especially their Leaders. They acknowledge what is being said \u2018carefully\u2019 and with quiet empathy. Be aware of who you are speaking to, because their culture should influence your listening style.<\/p>\n

3) Practise listening without interrupting<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You may have heard about active<\/em> listening, it is an important technique to master and uses the powers of the senses. Being able to listen without interrupting is a powerful skill. One of the world\u2019s leading sound experts, Julian Treasure said in his viral TED talk – 5 ways to listen better<\/a> \u201cwe are losing our listening<\/em>.\u201c<\/p>\n

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5 ways to listen better | Julian Treasure | TED<\/div><\/div>
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