Families and companies have a lot in common.
After all, both families and companies are made up of people. That means there are plenty of opportunities for misunderstanding, unresolved conflict and power plays. On the positive side, there are plenty of opportunities for connection, collaboration and the option of sharing power.
When we aren’t connecting, collaborating and sharing the power, everyone is thinking and wishing (and sometimes saying) “Why don’t you just shut up and listen?
Of course, our natural response too often is to reply, “I am listening; it’s time you shut up and listen to me for a while.”
Whether we’re talking about a family or a company, here’s the litmus test for knowing if we’re listening: we hear some form of “Thank you for listening to me; I really feel heard.”
If we don’t hear that, it’s our cue to just shut up for a while and listen.
Without listening, there can be no understanding. If we don’t understand and “get” the person or the group we’re part of, there’s going to be unnecessary frustration, conflict and disengagement.
For companies that means lower productivity and less market share. For families, it means a loss of connection and closeness.
If we want happier families or profitable companies with engagement at all levels, what can we do?
The solution is often simple: “Shut up and listen.”
Who is really listening or not listening in your workplace or family? It’s my turn to listen and your turn to leave a comment, question or insight.
Categorized in: Articles, Career Success, Employee Engagement, Leadership, Life, Persuasion/Influence, Relationship Mastery, Self-Improvement
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