Recently I was navigating the Vital Learning blog. I’m a vendor for Vital Learning, and I offer a full-suite of online training through them for small business owners who are looking for a cost effective solution to their training and development needs. During my research, I came across a blog on strategies for communication; specifically, strategies for communicating with an “evaluative listener.” Have you ever worked with a manager who stops you before you can even finish what you are trying to say. For instance, perhaps you have a grand idea - before you can even utter your final words, they stop you and say something like the following: “That will never work. We’ve already tried something similar in the past.”
Although you may perceive that they are being intentionally difficult, this isn’t always the case. Perhaps they are an “evaluative listener.” Don’t get me wrong, it can be frustrating, especially when you are on the giving, not on the receiving end. Communication is a “two-way street.” In this situation, the communicator needs to be understanding of the type of communicator they are speaking with; however, with that being said, the manager in this situation must also be cognizant of the fact that they are an “evaluative listener,” and be patient in hearing their team members out before stopping them in mid-sentence.
Although they idea may or may not work, good communication starts with effective listening. A leader’s ability to effectively communicate also has a profound impact on their ability to have influence over those individuals they are responsible for leading…
If you are looking to improve communication in your organization, consider our Vital Learning resources and/or the full suite of assessments we offer through Target Training International.
Click here to read the full article
Nathan R Mitchell is the founder of the business coaching company, Clutch Consulting, and is the Dean of Academic Affairs at Brown Mackie College of Tulsa. He is an experienced business coach, leadership trainer, corporate speaker, and published author. Nathan is the author of five books on business management, entrepreneurship and leadership, including the top-selling books Growing Businesses & Empowering People, Leading with Purpose: 30 Empowering Tips to Transform Your Organization, and Give Me the Ball! Winning the Game of Entrepreneurship. Nathan has received praise from many of today’s top business experts, including Brian Tracy, James Malinchak, and Jim Whitt. He is currently working on his Doctorate of Organizational Leadership with Argosy University.