Effective Communications - Listening

Have you ever had somebody not pay attention to you while you were talking? How did it feel? As a leader it is very important to really listen to your employees in order for them to feel like they are heard, valued, and understood. Your employees are your most important assets and effective communications entails really listening to what is on their minds. How do you ensure that you are exhibiting good listening skills?

• Use Level 3 listening skills - do not multi-task or focus on what you want to say back to them, but focus on what they are saying, engage them with questions, show through your body language that you are paying attention (e.g. - eye contact, body turned towards them)
• Use reflective listening - reflect back what you heard them say such as, "I heard you say..." to make sure you understand what they are trying to get across
• Be present - if you cannot be focused on the conversation at that moment ask them if you can schedule the talk at a certain time when you can be free or to give you a minute while you finish up whatever task you are working on.

Do you really listen to your employees? What would it take for you to use one of the skills above when you are listening to your employees?