Inpsire your team to be happy and do something...

Watch the Smile & Move video, 3 fun minutes that will remind you and your team of the core fundamentals that lead to better work, better relationships, and better results.

Create something wonderful with your people... Start smoving

Get the Listen > Talk reminder wristbands

Make yourself available

• set aside specific hours to be available to your employees
• maintain a more relaxed open-door policy
• close your email and instant messaging windows, switch your cell phone to silent, send your phone calls to voice mail and close the door, if necessary
• consider reserving a conference room for serious discussions

Give your complete attention

• stop what you're doing and focus completely on the employee. maintain eye contact and acknowledge key points
• postpone a conversation if you have a deadline or scheduling conflict

Write down key points

• jot down or make a mental note of key words, ideas and questions to ask later to minimize interruptions while someone is speaking
• note key points so you can have a point of reference later (if follow-up is needed)

Understand the message

• rephrase what you've heard to be sure you understand
• ask open-ended questions that encourage detailed answers. and wait a few seconds after the answer to encourage the speaker to say more
• double-check important facts and confirm appropriate follow through
• listen with an open and unbiased attitude, and refrain from going on the defensive. make sure you thoroughly understand the situation before taking a position

Perception is reality - if people get the sense that they're not being heard, then they're not being heard.

"If you want to be listened to, you should put in time listening."

Marge Piercy (1936 - ), American poet & novelist

Click below for a free guide to
better listening