Do not listen to your employees’ concern is one of the biggest mistakes a business owner can make. There might be a lot of people that can offer you their insight and idea but employees are the ones who can offer more. Why? Because employees are the ones who are close to clients and also know how the business operates so they can find out flaws in the business.
As a business owner, it is crucial for you to listen to what your employees need to say. Here’s how.
Make it a priority
First of all, you need the will. All you need to do is to put it at the top of your what-to-do list. Adopt a mindset that you know nothing about your employees’ concerns. This will allow you to deeply understand what’s your employees going through.
Keep information confidential
It is very important that you keep any information about employees’ concerns confidential. Maybe there will be a few problems that funny, odd, or even interesting. You have to keep that just between you and that particular employee.
Control your reactions
Try to focus on your body language. There are times when you disagree with what your employees say or it makes you upset. Regardless of the information you receive, it’s important for you to maintain control of your body language. Practice sitting still and maintain silence.
Listen without interrupting
Let your employees explain to you the whole picture of their concern. Do not interfere until the employee finishes telling you their concern. Also, do not try to judge your employee about their concern. Just sit there and listen to your employees’ concerns.
Most people who run businesses do not have the patience to listen or simply lack listening skills. In fact, listening is the most important leadership skill. Every leader should have this skill or else the voice of your employees will go unheard. This might lead to employee dissatisfaction. Furthermore, it can cause chaos within the team that affecting their productivity.
So, don’t forget to listen to your employees.
