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We Want to be Heard
Gary is retiring earlier than planned as a senior executive of a successful company. He made a proposal to the company’s CEO on a way to transition out of the company. The proposal was turned down.
Leslie is an administrative assistant who feels unappreciated by her boss. She has called in sick three times to avoid her performance review.
Gary told me, “I understand they chose to manage my retirement in a different way. I just wish they had taken the time to understand my request.” A few days later, Leslie said, “Why should I meet with my supervisor? She doesn’t listen, it doesn’t matter what I have to say.”
Gary and Leslie are no different than you and I. We want to be heard. We want to know that our opinions matter. We want someone to send us a signal that says, “You are important. I’m interested in what you have to say.”
Our workplace could change dramatically if we would regularly choose to take a few extra moments to look someone in the eye and listen. Really listen. That means that we don’t answer the phone during the conversation. We don’t sign letters. We don’t interrupt. We focus all our attention on that other person.
And listen.
Look around your organization today. I bet you’ll see someone who is waiting for you to listen to her. Take the time. Remind her that she is important.
We want to be heard.
