Have you ever realized that your employees and team mates are bubbling with un-expressed opinions, waiting to come out suggestions, suppressed complaints and some words of praise?
But how often do we encourage these thoughts to come out?
One common thread you will find across all ‘great communicators’ is that they listen. They listen proactively, attentively and speak far less. That is why people appreciate their company as these communicators provide them a channel to vent out their feelings, emotions and opinions etc.
The same is true in organizational context. It would be much appreciated if you, as a leader, can drive that ‘listen only conversation’. Engage your employees in one-to-one conversations where you are friendly or engaging enough to drive them to speak up. A patient hearing can go a long way in making them mentally relaxed and emerge out more satisfied. Any actions you take to address their concerns is an added bonus, of course. Employees are humans, and they have their needs. It is up to a leader to realize, anticipate and proactively address these needs.