BEC高级商务英语口语辅导三
|
Part III Let’s Talk Business LEADING THROUGH CHANGE: Listening as aleader Often, when we think of communication, wethink of speaking, presenting, writing--delivering amessage in some way. But an effectivecommunicator is also adept at receiving messages.You won’t budge people toward a goal if they don’tfeel that they’ve had input, that they’ve been heardand understood, and that the vision they’re workingtoward is also their own vision. Listening to your followers is the only way you can make thishappen. To be a good leader, HEAR OUT what others have to say: Hold judgment and hold eye focus Listen carefully and with an open mind--if you’redefensive you may miss critical information. Don’t formulate your answer while a person is stillspeaking. Watch for subtle body language that may offer extra clues to the speaker’s truemeaning. Also, hold eye focus. If you don’t’ look at the person who is speaking to you, youcan’t establish trust. As a leader, you want followers to trust you and believe in you. End all other tasks. Show respect for people by putting aside your paper, lunch, etc., anddon’t take phone calls. You’ll be better regarded, and you’ll save time. By "doing it right the firsttime," there won’t be misunderstandings or any need to repeat information. Be ready to jobdown notes as the person speaks. Allow the speaker to finish. Don’t interrupt. Don’t change the subject. Don’t finishsentences for the speaker. Remain quiet until you’re sure the speaker has completed his or herthoughts. Read between the lines. As you listen to the speaker, listen for what might be left unsaid.It’s not always easy for a person to approach someone in a more senior position and tell it likeit is. If you want to get an honest opinion of some of your ideas and actions, you’ll need toprobe. You’ll also need to value that feedback and the person who gave it to you. Never shootthe messenger. Outline your understanding. Once the person is finished speaking, reiterate what youbelieve to be the main ideas, issues, etc. State them simply and, if possible, try to "rank" themfrom most important to least. At each step, ask the speaker if you’ve correctly heard themessage. Take the time to be certain, or you’ve both simply wasted time. Underline major points. Once you and the speaker agree on the main ideas that have beenuncovered, focus your attention on one or two of the most important: What needs to be doneright now to make the speaker--and you--acknowledge that something positive has beenaccomplished? What else can be done in the future? Set a date to revisit these main ideas andto discuss progress. Test the waters. Take what you’ve learned and test it with others. What are others feelingand thinking? Is this an isolated issue? Don’t take it any less seriously but if it’s a"movement" of sorts, you’ll need to address it differently. Testing the waters allows you toexplore the real needs, fears and hopes of your followers and incorporate them into yourshared vision. Remember, if you’re trying to move people in a new direction, you must knowhere they’re coming from. People don’t always need leaders to agree with them and act on their suggestions. Butpeople always do need to feel their leader cares enough to listen. When people are uncertainwhat tomorrow may bring, a leader with a reputation as a "good listener" may be the mostprized employee in any organization. Work hard to make yourself that person. 相关资料 |
