Full transcript
0:20Do you get a blank response often - usually from someone checking their phone while you talk to them?
0:25It’s annoying. Disrespectful.
0:27And in a business environment, unprofessional and can even be dangerous.
0:31At work, you may bring a lot of technical skills and knowledge to the table.
0:35But if you don’t become an active listener, your effectiveness and impact will be limited.
0:40By listening to a variety of opinions and recommendations, you gather better information to make an informed decision.
0:46Seriously. If you don’t process valuable information from team members, managers or clients,
0:51you are flying into a dark cloud bank, my friend.
0:54By not really listening, you can miss cues about potential safety or efficiency issues.
0:59First – respect the speaker. Give them your full attention, no matter who it is.
1:03If it’s a front-line utility worker, they may have valuable insight into what they’ve observed in the field.
1:09All intel can be useful.
1:11Take a moment to absorb what has been said then repeat it out loud to confirm it.
1:15And ask questions. Lots of them.
1:17Don’t pretend to know.
1:19Nobody cares if you’re the smartest person in the room.
1:21Always ask for clarity.
1:23In a team setting on multi-million-dollar projects it’s crucial to be on the same page as everyone else.
1:29When someone is talking, avoid interrupting and wait for the right moment to contribute.
1:34Maintain eye contact and nod to encourage further dialogue.
1:38Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and understand others who have different views.
1:42The best way to problem-solve is by using the talents and insights of a large number of people.
1:47You can’t access that if you aren’t actively listening to them.
1:51As the old saying goes; we have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak.