Take The Time To Listen

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Added: Wed. Jun 17, 2009 12:03pm
Posted in: Living

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     Many people are facing tough times right now. Either it directly affects their immediate family or they know someone close like a brother, sister or friend who has lost a job, filed for bankruptcy or lost their home to foreclosure. People who are fortunate enough to be working, sometimes come to work carrying the world on their shoulders. We see people at work sometimes looking sad or are quiet or not quite themselves yet we don’t ask the simple question “how are you doing”. We get caught up in the goals we have to reach but don’t understand why the person just isn’t performing like he or she used to. To many, their job is like a second family. They spend a lot of time out of their day with people at work. While we can’t just sit down and talk for a half an hour, we can take a minute to ask that question “how are you today” and listen to what they have to say. You might be surprised to see the look on someone’s face that you took that minute to show concern for someone else. It goes a long way.  We live in a fast paced world where everyday brings a new change or challenge but we need to realize that we’re not going to go anywhere unless we take the time to listen to the people who ultimately get you there.

    I am fortunate to have worked with my Team for many years. I don’t have to ask the question because I can see it in their faces when something is wrong and when I do see that look, I don’t hesitate to ask them how they’re doing.  Every leader brings their own style but you can’t go wrong if you take the time to listen to those you work with. Taking the time to listen will make a big difference in someone’s life