Page 140 - Anne Bruce - Building A HIgh Morale Workplace (2002)

120 Building a High Morale Workplace

In the rest of this chapter, we’ll examine each of those ways
of showing that you care about your employees.

Managers Who Listen to Their Employees Keep

Morale Up, Up, Up

It’s said that all managers should “learn to love to listen.” Why?

Because managers who love to listen to their employees
achieve four critical objectives:

1. They make their employees feel important and valued.
2. They build confidence among their employees because
the employees feel heard.

3. They model good communication skills.
4. They make their employees feel worthy and respected.

It’s important to note here that a manager who’s mastered
the art of listening also knows how to ask pertinent questions,
the kind of questions that tell employees that the manager cares

about what they’re saying and wants to gather more informa-
tion. So be sure to ask who, what, where, when, why, and how
questions. Then show you care by seeking additional informa-
tion by asking questions like these:

• Can you tell me a little more about that?

• Who else will participate in this?

How Managers Who Are Good Listeners Act
• Good listeners assume the “listening position” by sitting up
straight and sometimes leaning forward as if to say with their
body language,“I’m very interested in what you are saying.”
• Good listeners actually enjoy listening and participate in the
process by smiling, nodding, laughing, or showing other expressions
of affirmation, empathy, and appreciation.
• Good listeners focus all their attention on the other person.They
are considerate and courteous when listening to someone else.
They don’t let distractions get in the way.
• Good listeners offer their input and suggestions after the other per-
son has spoken.They are not just waiting for their turn to talk next.