Listening – It is Just Complicated!

When I was growing up, every Sunday we would always visit my great-grandmother.  Everyone just called her, “Ma.”  She didn’t have a lot of telephones in her house, but she did have a white one in the dining room, which I thought was always strange.  Anyway, the phone was by far the fanciest phone I had ever seen, and it was on a small one seater desk/chair combination.  I remember asking her one day, why that phone was there and why the desk/chair combination.  Her reply was simple and to the point, as always.  When someone calls me, I can sit down and have a conversation with them.  When was the last time you were on the phone, sitting and just having a conversation – doing nothing else?  Or having a conversation with someone without checking your phone and maintaining eye contact throughout the conversation? What would Ma be thinking now?

 

It’s Complicated!

It can be argued that we live in a sender-oriented society, people are sending things out via chat, messenger, Instagram, virtual experiences, live streaming, etc… .the list goes on and on.  However, what is getting lost is the power of listening, because it can be forgotten that listening is 50% of communicating.  

Listening is more than just hearing – it is understanding the cues, inflections and seeing or hearing how someone is reacting to your conversation.  Nonverbal communication ties into listening.  For example, have you ever been talking to someone and they are looking past you?  Or maybe you have struggled to stay awake listening to someone talk. Or you are trying to get someone’s attention and they are focusing on something else.  Listening can be kind and empathetic or completely aggressive or “selective.”  It is just complicated.

 

It’s Great for Your Career!

The good news is that you can work on it and get better at listening!  And the better news is that the better you get at listening – the more money you can make.  Here is the data:

• The average adult listens 45% of their day
• The average worker listens 55% of their day
• The average manager listens 65% of their day

So what does this mean?  A few things.  First, most people are really in the majority of the population, being in the sender-oriented society where they are sending more than they are receiving (listening).  As you go up your career ladder, you will be required to listen more to do your job, which is needed in the management roles.  I think we all have had bad managers, and mostly because we feel like they didn’t listen to us!  

 

It’s Challenging!

Listening isn’t an easy skill to master.  I lived in Japan for a few years, and they believe the smartest person at the table isn’t talking, but the one listening.  I am not saying just sit and only listen, but there is always a good balance.  So, my challenge to you is next time you are on the phone or meeting someone in-person, focus only on that conversation, be present, smile, and keep eye contact.  Practice makes perfect, and the more you practice being a good listener you will see how truly important it is in communicating with others.

 

How Conversation Couture Can Help

Conversation Couture understands that moving to an e-commerce space in the retail market can seem daunting at first. Indeed, it’s challenging to maintain customer relationships and brand consistency with all the multi-channel options. That is why we offer certification courses for existing sales associates and managers that are designed, tested and proven to drive greater sales, improve customer engagement, and sustain brand loyalty within a virtual shopping experience. Yes, it can be taught! 

Check out our  Online Learning Center to check out our Certification Courses, or head over to review our  Services and Offerings.

Especially check out our Foundation Essential Program that offers a course called The Art of Listening!