During a meeting
Learn to listen
"Without listening, there is no flow or building of ideas," says Hamlin, "just random thoughts that don't connect to each other. Vital information and good ideas are lost; we don't explore issues thoroughly."
Rather than interrupting impatiently and finding fault, listen actively, make notes and when you speak, sum up before making your points. Remember, others might have key comments to make. Even if you disagree, suspend judgment until you've heard their whole point.
Be supportive
"Many of us are competitive at work, so it's hard to be generous," writes Hamlin. "It feels like your position is diminished when you strengthen another's." Yet being supportive actually shows that you're confident enough to see another's point of view.
Disagree graciously
"Many of us fear disagreeing, thinking it will hurt people's feelings and make an enemy. But disagreement is good. Solutions become stronger if they survive group criticism," says Hamlin. First, listen attentively, ask questions and give factual reasons for disputing things. Be specific and constructive, and offer other solutions.
4 common mistakes
We all make them, but we're not always aware of communication missteps that sink our chances of getting a message across. Hamlin's top four are:
1. Always talking and thinking exclusively from your own point of view. Take time to mull over how your thoughts and suggestions will impact others as well.
2. Presuming that other people in a meeting are aware of previous conversations. Even if they were present, they may not have paid attention to every detail.
3. Being disorganized in your presentation. The human brain demands logic, order and chronology, so make sure you have your ducks in a row.
4. Picking the wrong time to talk. Grabbing someone in the hallway when they're running off to a meeting will ensure you don't have their attention or their goodwill.
Tune up your communication skills with tips on how to be a better listener.
Did you know...
First impressions do matter. In fact, they're formed instantly and silently. Body language accounts for 55 per cent of first impressions, while 38 per cent of the impact comes from tone of voice. What you actually say affects your first impression by just seven per cent.
-- How To Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today's Workplace (HarperCollins, 2006)
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