Listening Skills

Within the organization cohesion has always been fostered through effective communication. Without effective communication the objectives of the organization cannot be achieved because there will be a discrepancy between what management and employees expect. One of the greatest ways to achieve an effective communication system within the organization is through insuring that listening is an element incorporating all communication between management and stockholders, board of directors, employees, suppliers, consumers and any other individuals who have a stake in the company’s overall success. This paper will discuss the importance of effective listening, and the ability to draw information from a diverse resource pool, as a means of creating cohesion within the organization and maintaining open lines of communication between management and employees. A conclusion will address the pitfalls of ignoring effective listening as an integral part of any organizational management communication system.

The human resource factor is often the most critical one in determining a company’s success. All too often, however, the opinions, needs and wants of employees are over looked in the decision-making process. Usually, this is not only because the company’s communication system isn’t properly designed, it is also often an occurrence because of insecure management that is not open and inviting to input from all

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r who listens will ask the employee if they understand what the task requires before any work begins. The same thing works if you receive a task you do not understand. By offering your understanding of the task to the superior before you begin you will know there is a mutual agreement about what is expected. In order for these types of exchanges to occur, the manager and employee must both be presented with a corporate culture and communication system that encourages active listening: Practice active listening. It is hard work but well worth the effort. Active listening means concentrating on both the words and how the message is delivered, then giving feedback before proceeding. For example, if you supervisor tells you in a rushed tone of voice to drop what you are working on to help get a project done, active listening suggests you respond with, ‘You are concerned about getting the project out on time,’ not, ‘My work is important, too.’ In the words of former Senator S.I. Hayakawa, ‘Listening does not mean maintaining a polite silence while you are rehearsing in your mind the speech you are going to make.’ Take responsibility for the effectiveness of your messages. Don’t blame others. (Vega, 1996: 2) Despite the
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Approximate Word count = 1533
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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