Listen More, Lead More

There is a difference between hearing what your employees are saying and truly listening to what is being said. Through listening, a leader can create stronger relationships with members of their team while gaining insights regarding what they value. Additionally, it will better position you to help guide employees through challenging times, allowing them to perform at their best by expressing compassion and understanding.

But how does one become a better listener? To help you along the path, here are some tips that will help you get the most out of what your employees are saying.

See Your Employees as Whole People

It is easy to place your employees in a box. You may see them for the skills they bring to the job, as well as how their work fits into the bottom line. But your employees are people that have capabilities beyond the workplace.

Employees want leaders who demonstrate caring beyond what happens within the walls of the office. Their well-being in their whole lives affects their performance during their time working with you. By recognizing there is more to your staff than the reports they create, you are better positioned to discover issues outside of the work environment that may impact their performance. And you will be better prepared to adapt to help them work through the challenging times.

Be Engaged

When you solicit feedback, or when it is simply provided, see this as an opportunity for a conversation. Ask follow- up questions and encourage them to elaborate. By taking an active role in the discussion, and prompting them to explain their thoughts further, you are more likely to fully understand what is being said.

Practice Empathy

Every person in a workplace, yourself included, is subjected to stress on a daily basis. And we all have different capacities for managing the effects of that stress on our performance. If you see an employee experiencing the negative effects of stress, express your concern directly. Allow them to discuss their frustrations and challenges, and be prepared to offer emotional support.

If it helps, remember a time when you were frustrated by a situation, and recall the emotional component of that experience. Then, be the kind of person you needed to help you work through that period.

Withhold Judgement

Once you begin judging a person, you aren’t listening. Every person has a different approach and perspective regarding the issues at hand. It is important to acknowledge the validity of a person’s point of view, even when it differs from your own. By being open -minded, you give yourself the chance to learn something new and may be better positioned to help guide an employee through a learning experience of their own.

Mind Body Language

Communication involves much more than what is being said. Body language and facial expressions all create a larger picture than simply listening to the words being spoken. Being mindful of changes in the positioning and reactions of others can help you adapt more quickly to the situation at hand.

Avoid Interrupting

Regardless of one’s position in a company, interrupting a person mid thought is simply rude. It can disrupt the person’s train of thought and can lead them to disengage from the rest of the conversation. Staying focused on what is being said, and allowing a person to finish what they are trying to say, helps build a feeling of mutual respect. And, over time, that will create more positive relationships with your employees.


If you are interested in more tips to improve your listening skills or are looking to fill a current vacancy, the Squires Group has the experience you need. Contact us to see what we can do for you.


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