Listening - nothing is more important to being a good manager than to master this skill. Here's a classic clip from Tom Peters on listening - view it here:
Looking forward to your comments...any good listening stories from your work/managerial experience?
David
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128 comments:
I agree that most managers are too quick to interrupt. Parents are the same way with little kids. Once most people get a sense of superiority to others, they also think they develop some psychic ability and know exactly what their subordinates are going to say or complain about before they do it. Back when I sold cars, the managers there would interrupt in about .18 seconds. They would not let you get past the first word before telling you how to fix your problem. It really was aggravating and ineffective. I saw many sales lost and customers dissatisfied because management would not effectively listen to their sales people.
I am an 18 second listener. I think most people adults and children are 18 seconds listeners. Everyone has an opinion and wants to chime what they think or have to say about the subject before the other person is finishing speaking. In my communication class we talked about types of listening skills and we even practiced with our fellow classmates a few times in class. For an assignment we had to go home and listen to five people talk without interrupting. It was extremely hard for me but I think it is important to learn to be a better listener.
Working on becoming a better listener is one of the most important things you can do when you have a career in business. You need to be able to work as a team by listening to others opinions, accepting criticism, and comprehending information. When it's hard to listen, it's usually because its not interesting. You need to work on improving your listening skills beyond 18 seconds if you want to be successful in business.
I strongly agree with this video! This is true about most people and we dont even realize it. I believe listening is VERY important especially in the workplace or just out in your everyday life. Im sure we all can work on our listening skills some way or another!
He seemed very passionate about the topic. I tried to think back about my supervisor days and I can't really recall if I'm an 18 second listener or not. Although I agree listening is very important experience plays a large roll. Many of the issues that I heard were the same ones time and time again so I was able to make fast decisions. I'm not sure that hearing anymore would have changed my answer.
I don't believe I am an 18 sec boss. I believe I try to hear my associates out first then give my opinion. I do by the way agree with this video if we some bosses would spend more time listening then trying to diagnose the problem right off hand I believe they will become even better people to work for.
I'm a communication major, so I'm very familiar with the concept of listening, especially in the professional setting. The thing that most companies lack is good communication between the various levels of employment. When managers are more willing to listen to their employees, they can get a more realistic idea of how efficiently and effectively their company is running.
I agree with him about how important listening is because I learned that in my leadership class last semester. If your strong suit is being able to listen and understand what people are saying you can go far in this world. I have had an 18 sec boss in the past and it just gets you more annoyed then you were to begin with.
I believe that most people are 18 second listeners, however it is something that should be worked on. Being an 18 second listener should become socially unacceptable.
I believe people should listen more, but I don't believe that's the problem relationships of any sort face. I think people need to listen more with understanding. I believe many people listen to other's opinions, but they don't try understand from the other person's point of view.
I really notice my family at the dinner table interrupting each other all the time. It get's to be really annoying. How can anyone have a good conversation and get things done when both sides of the conversation only get half the story. Perhaps there should be a required class on effective listening. people are just to impatient today.
18 seconds is clearly not enough time to diagnose someone. 18 seconds is not always enough time to classify a situation either as a manager. Each and every case make me different and need special attention however, I do understand they must be able to analyze a situation quickly and effectively. I think EVERYONE can stand to improve their listening skills.
I know I need to work on my listening skills. I am always quick to give my opinion when I should be listening more and talking less. Being able to listen is the most important part of communication in business as well as in personal relationships.
I think most people today are 18 second listeners...most people like to talk and give their opinions, even when it's not asked of them. I'm an active listener, but I still interrupt and jump in when it's not time. I believe if everyone, including myself, could learn to be better listeners, people would argue a lot less and they would learn more.
Tom Peters is dead on about most people being 18 second listeners today, especially in reference to managers. Often managers will think that they know it all and don't have to value or bother listening to their employees and think that they know whats best for the company - but in reality, if they valued their employees opinions more and started to really 'listen' to them, their businesses may run more efficiently; after al, those employees have skills and knowledge on how to run the company bottom up, and are an asset.
I believe that listening is very important. I believe that if you an listen you will become a lot more successful. It’s not fun working for an 18 second boss. If the boss would just listen things may actually run a lot smoother for everyone.
I completely agree that nothing is more important to being a good manager than to master this skill. You have to be a good listener, because with being a good listener you can get different opinions on things and get ideas from other employees of that company or job.
Once most people get a sense of superiority to others, they also think they develop some psychic ability and know exactly what their subordinates are going to say or complain about before they do it. Tom Peters is dead on about most people being 18 second listeners today, especially in reference to managers. Often managers will think that they know it all and don't have to value or bother listening to their employees and think that they know whats best for the company.
I feel that listening is the most important thing in the world. People that don't like to listen and think they knows everything will always fall short cause they listening skills. We should always have open ears for whom ever.
I'm guilty...I'm an 18 second listener and I'm even worst with telephone conversations. I've had people tell me to shut up and listen many times so I have become more aware and try not to do it as much. However,I listened longer than 18 seconds to him to see what his ideas were going to be to get us to listen better...I never heard it, unless after 18 seconds I tuned him out..
I agree that listening is a skill that must be learned. I also agree that many times people (including myself) are quick to interrupt and throw their opinion in before hearing the whole story. Listening skills are great skills to have especially for someone in a managerial position.
Listening is definitely on of the most important skills anyone can master. People are very quick to interrupt. In a work place this only causes problems.
I am an 18 second listener as well. I have become this way because I usually know what a coworker needs or is talking about. It is something I need to work on because I do not want to jump to the wrong conclusion or I do not want to overlook something that could be key to the situation. What is strange is that I am less like that the further away from work I get.
Wow! way to grab someones attention! I can honestly say I am an 18 second listener. I think 75% if not more of us are. Because everyone is entitled to their own opinions, people feel the need to put their two cents every chance they get. If you are able to be a listener you are capable of being able to learn more than what you think you know.
I like this video... The last study I remember off the top of my head was that we only hear 25% of what ppl tell us!! In a society with the shortest attention spans in recent history (mainly due to txting and tweeting), we have to train ourselves to pay attention and to hear what ppl are telling us instead of zoning them out and wishing they would shut up where we can start talking;)
I am so guilty of being an 18 second listener. I am working very hard to try and learn how to be a better listener, especially in a work and school enviornment. I think we need to learn to listen so that we allow others the chance to say what it is that they need to say and sometimes I am the person trying to say something and I get cut of by others. Listening is a very important lesson that I need to learn better.
I consider myself to be a good listener. I am always interested to hear what others feel confident in telling me. On the other hand I do personally know some people who need to watch this and learn not only to listen better but also to apply.
I enjoyed this video and I believe that I am a good listener, but I do believe that most people are 18 second listeners. People do not want to wait to express their thoughts and opinions on something when someone else is talking to them. He talked about strategic listening and I find that is extrememly important when it comes to listening and it needs to be a skill that is strongly developed.
After listening to Tom Peters I do think he is right. Many managers are 18 second managers and do not realize it. I, myself have been guilty of this every now and then. Mostly because when my employees begin to tell me something that went wrong i immediately know what they did and how to fix it. But I think listening is a very important attribute for everyone to have. If you listen to what is going on around you, you can better yourself and your business.
If only people did what he described. I am guilty of it once in a blue moon as I think all people are. Listening is so important because the world is a fast paced place and sometimes we may think we know what the person is saying before they finish, and by interrupting they may miss out on telling us something we DON'T know. I know my manager sometimes is so bull headed that if he only listened to us, some of his issues at work would be resolved before he ever knew they were issues.
I've been taught to let people finish talking before talking.But for some reason I Still seem to cut people off when they are talking. Sometimes I may catch myself and tell the person whom I'm speaking to, to finish what they are saying and then I'll go. I guess people who do this is those people who cant keep up with there thought.I think thats the reason for me interrupting people when they are talking.
I think the thing that Tom Peters left out is that sometimes we interrupt on accident. We think the other person is done talking but they aren't. This lesson of stategic listening could be learned by everyone. It could also help your personal relationships as well I believe.
It is true that we could all focus more on listening. Managers in the business world in particular could benefit from others perspective. However in the case of a medical doctor, many patients are way over there head to contribute to any idea a doctor may have concerning his or her health. I believe strategic listening could create new opportunity for managers. In the case of medical doctors, however, time is valuable and to have an extensive conversation to someone who knows absolutely nothing about medicine would be trivial and costly to other patients.
Tom Peters is a very intelligent man. Often, when it comes to the aspect of truly listening and taking in information, people try to rush that process. So when decisions are made based off partial information, they are more than likely not the best choices. I want to learn more about becoming an 18-second manager, because I believe it will be of great benefit to me in the future.
I agree that the key to any conversation and coming to a solution is listening. Now just because I agree doesn't mean I'm good at it because I'm not. I tend to interrupt quite a bit, but most of the time I catch myself and shut up. Now when someone repeats themselves over and over and OVER again, I can't help but want to say "Shut up!" and start giving me opinion.
Obviously this is something I need to work on. :)
Two things come to mind when I watch this video. One I get interrupted a lot when I am around professionals. I specific event that I recall is bringing my daughter to the doctor. I always know before hand what I want to say and ask, but then I get interrupted and I never get all the answers I wanted. Second, I interrupt people a lot myself. I need to work on becoming a better listener so I can improve my own communication skills!
I agree that listening must be learned. When I learn about listening in classes, I definitely try to use the information I receive in my own life. I will be the first to admit that I am not a good listener. I can also admit I have a tough time getting to the point at the beginning of my conversations. I get interrupted often and I also interrupt often. I think it is because I have not made my point and I want to be heard. Is my boss a good listener...absolutely not! We usually end up speaking at the same time. I hope to one day learn how to be a good listener. I agree that it takes time.
I had no idea that listening could be learned. I bet my wife would like me to take a listening 101 and 102 classes. I am not totally convinced of the fact that listening is a skill in which you can be taught. I believe that either you are born with the skill or you just don’t have it. As far as 18 second bosses are concerned I do not have one and have never had one.
I had no idea that listening could be learned. I bet my wife would like me to take a listening 101 and 102 classes. I am not totally convinced of the fact that listening is a skill in which you can be taught. I believe that either you are born with the skill or you just don’t have it. As far as 18 second bosses are concerned I do not have one and have never had one.
Listening is a part of your communication skills. I know my manager is an 18 second manager because every time I tell my opinion about a situation; she is quick to answer. I believe that if your a good listener, you will go up the ladder in your company. It is rude to anyone who is talking and for that person not to listen.
I believe listening is a very important skill. I am lucky enough to have an employer who is not an 18 second manager. He likes to hear the entire story before coming up with a solution. I have worked for employers though who were more like 10 second managers because before I could get a few words out my mouth they would cut me off. By not listening to the entire story, managers sometimes miss out on some important details.
Tom Peters makes a very good point about people being 18 second listeners. All of my current bosses are this way. I can not get through telling them my opinion without them either butting in or just walking away. I feel as though I am a good listener and I value other people's opinions. I think that my listening ability is what will make me a good leader and a successful business man.
It all goes back to think before you talk and being a good listener. Such core simple values people lose as they become more opinionated and have there own ideas.Which is why we are so eager as human beings to blurt out what you think instead of just listening and forming your own idea about the full subject. Tom Peters makes this very clear, in all aspects of life be a good listener and try to be better.
I felt openly challenged by this man talking with his hands and yelling at me. Its ok, because he is right. I have several people that work for me, and I am a less than 18 second manager. In fact, i barley let em get in a word. I think that I am going to start listening better, I give it a test run at the office soon.
For some reason, Tom Peters comes off to me as cocky. Maybe it was just in this video, but he acts as though he understands that all of us are 18 second managers. I have always put emphasis on listening because I feel as though that is important.
I can honestly say, I suck at listening. I definitely only listen for 18 seconds and then tune you out. Unless the topic is interesting or something I want to hear, I don't pay attention. I know that listening is a big key in the professional work place. Then again, my supervisors don't listen to me half the time. If you can't take the time to hear me out, why should I bend over backwards for you?
I agree with Tom Peters on how important listening is. When trying to resolve a problem, one must try to understand the problem from all different angles. Just about every situation is slightly different and should be handled accordingly.
If people in all areas would listen more intently to what was being said, directed, complained about, etc., then more productivity would get done and the workplace would be more successful and less stressful.
Good listening should be a consideration in every area of our lives. It's an important part of any relationship, be it personal or professional, as a spouse or parent,
manager or employee.
I had a manager that always had the answers to every problem before he heard the whole story. One of my co-workers went into his office to tell him about a problem with her payroll and she began to tell him what happened. He interrupted her after the first sentence saying, “Maybe you gave the payroll clerk the wrong information that is why your money was not deposit into your account." My co-worker was like that is not what I'm trying to say to you, I'm simply saying that they deposited too much money into my account. Then the manager was like well let's get you to the payroll clerk to get that fixed. I think that if my manager just would have listened for 18 seconds then he wouldn't have had to point fingers.
Since we're creatures of habit, I find this interesting that most of us are 18 second listeners. When I think about 18 seconds I automatically think of this as a very short period of time, so I don't know why i think I would be able to understand someones problem in under 18 seconds. We tend to think most things aren't unique and that they can be grouped with other things and situations we've heard before, but this video made me realize we cannot do this. We might miss some important, unique, key piece of information.
I think that listening is a very important concept when it comes to communicating. I think that I am an eighteen second listener, and that is something that I am trying to work on. I try my best not to interrupt, but sometimes it is impossible because I think I am going to lose my thought. Also, there are many benefits to listening. Listening allows people to gather other people’s opinions and feeling and may also lead to more ideas.
Communication is important. and listening is the most important part of that I use to be an 18 second listener also, but when i grew into myself and i gave people a better chance at voicing themselves. now i consider myself an avid listener and communicator.
In certain situations, interruptions at or before 18 seconds can resolve issues employees may be having but I also think some problems are not solved this easily. After seeing this video, I will try to not be an 18 second listener.
Very Interesting! Listening is a very important skill and I agree 100% that we can learn to be good listeners. I could definately improve my listening skills at times. Sometimes we have so much going on in our heads it can be difficult to listen to others. I think this would be a good class!
This is an important skill that requires constant attention. My biggest challenge lately has been to not start filtering the information that I hear after I've asked a specific question. I find that when I start filtering I tend to miss something useful.
So valid regardless the topic of discussion or the environment in which is transpires. I especially like those comments regarding children posted above. And I must admit that I also fall into this category, but I do promote the open door policy if you will with my teenager, there is no topic off-limits regarding of how uncomfortable it may become. With that said, the same should hold true regarding colleagues, clients, and chain of command. There should be a sense of the same respect that you demand with regards to allowing other individuals to verbally complete their thoughts, opinions, and ideas.
This happens all the time with me. I only listen to the first few seconds of something before speaking about what someone is telling me. But it is so funny because I hate when people interrupt me when I'm explaining something.
I agree with Tom Peters that strategic listening is very important. Some people are so much in a hurry to interrupt someone that when they ask them a question, it has nothing to do with what they are talking about. The reason for that is because they were not listening. I agree that listening is something that has to be learned and practiced over and over again. By practicing listening, I believe it will help with retaining what people are also saying on a topic.
I agree with Tom Peters. Many managers think that they need to address problems super fast, but they don't take the time to fully understand them or "strategic listen". Communication is everything and listening is the most important part of that.
This is the second video I have watched of this guy and I'm stil wondering where he comes up with his numbers it's really funny actually. 18 seconds?
I agree with this video in that I think everyone could benefit from an effective listening class. I notice all the time how my mind wanders after only a short time. And it is not that I seek my mind to wander rather it is that I haven't trained my mind to effectively listen.
I agree with the video. A lot of bosses do not take the time to actually listen and get to know their employees. I don't think that its only a problem with bosses but kids and parents also have trouble with listening. It is important that bosses listen to their employees because their input might be very important. During an interview it will be important to listen to the future employee because they need to know what kind of person they are hiring.
I agree with Tom Peters on his Importance of Listening. Most people try to rush things instead of taking the time to listen and actually learn about a person. Listening is very improtant, especially in a workplace. When you don't listen you could mess something up totally.
I agree with Tom Peters because my current boss never gives me any time to speak before he is telling me what to do. I hate it! I am very dissatisfied at work because of it. All of the other employees feel the same way I do and the work ethic is not so good because of him.
I try my hardest to be a good listener. Sometimes I piss my girlfriend off because I interrupt her when she is trying to tell me about her day. Most of the time I am very good at listening, but sometimes I fudge up.
I enjoyed this video, it is always important to be a good listener. I think the speaker in the video made some great points that I could use in my day to day life. Great video overall.
"Strategic Listening" this should be taught in college as a course, if possible before we begin group projects. There's a tremendous amount of talking but never enough listening and brainstorming. We discuss our group projects, we want so badly to make the "A" we believe all of my advice should be used. I am one of those "18 second" people and now is the time for me to change. This is an excellent video.
18 seconds isn't very much time to do anything. I don't like interrupting people but I sometimes slip up and do it. And I especially don't like being interrupted but no one is perfect.
listening is a very important skill. I work in construction and no one wants to listen. Everyone is either a 10 plus year craftsman or supervisor etc. and they are stuck in their ways and will no give you a chance to speak. If I attempt to make a suggestion or i feel something could be done differently they won't even give me 18 seconds before they say we are doing it their way. Where as if they would take the time to hear me or others out, they may see there is more then one day to do something.
This exact problem that Tom Peters talks about happened to me today when speaking to my manager at work. Before I finished my story or even got my point across he interrupted me and gave me a solution. His solution in return did not work because if he had listened to my entire problem he would have known I had tried that already. Listening is a key to not only management but relationships in general. No one likes someone who is always cutting them off and not letting them finish their story. Listening is a key for parents, students, teachers, and managers. Being a good listener is a great attribute that anyone should have.
I am an 18 second listener, probably just because I love to talk and state my opinion and not in a rude way but if I don't say whats on my mind as soon as it comes to me I will more than likely forget it. However I think my managers are pretty great listeners and don't interrupt until im finished.
Yes I agree I have work with managers who interrupt before I could finish what I was tiring to say. My company commander is the same way. I sometimes think they just don’t want to listen to what I have to say, are they are to busy to stand there and hear my problem. But I think the good manager will listen to what ever it is you have to say. I’m that type of manager who listens.
9. I think that this video was so interesting because it was so true. I have my own situations when I cut off people at a certain point in time. I never thought that It might actually be at an average pace. The theory of strategic listening makes a lot of sense and is obviously useful in day to day business. I do though think that I will now look into my average cut off time now.
I was very interested in this video because I’m always interpreted in a conversation; it is very important to be able to listen to someone and not try to finish sentences for the other person. At professional stand point, if a customer is explaining their problem it is important to listen to every word and let them finish, if not it will seem to the customer that the employee don’t care about their problem. I would take his Strategic listening coarse to better myself as well.
"Strategic listening" should be a course taught and required for all managers at every level within a company. I believe that managers with good listening skills are a greater asset to a company and more productive with their employees. Good listening skills are important in all areas of ones life. Professional or personal, good listening skills are important for good communication.
As far being a person goes I'm not much as talker but as listener, I feel that what separates me from the rest of my managers is that I actually encourage input from vendors, customers, and most importantly employees.
Im really starting to like Tom Peters. I strongly agree with the majority of the things he says and his passion for the subjects. Listening is very important in both the work environment and social situations. I would most certainly take his strategic listening classes if ever they were offered to me.
That's a very interesting video. 18 seconds until the doc interrupts. Listening and understanding are two very important qualities one can have in the workplace. We should be able to listen to someone's full story without interrupting in the 18 second window.
I think this video reminds us of what we should give to whoever is speaking to us. Attention! Too many people are quick to interrupt whenever somebody is speaking. We should respect that person and listen to them carefully and give them our attention!
Being a good listener is an important trait to have, especially as a Management major. Working with teams in a business is all about working with each other and being able to listen to everyones ideas and opinions.
I think we are all guilty of being an 18 second listener at least on occasion. It is extremely frustrating to work for someone who is always an 18 second listener especially if it is about a concern. I think everyone should work on their listening sklls.
Tom Peters is dead on about most people being 18 second listeners today, especially in reference to managers. Often managers will think that they know it all and don't have to value or bother listening to their employees and think that they know whats best for the company - but in reality, if they valued their employees opinions more and started to really 'listen' to them, their businesses may run more efficiently; after al, those employees have skills and knowledge on how to run the company bottom up, and are an asset.
You show a person a great deal of respect when you can listen to everything they have to say without interrupting them. This is why it's very important to be a good listener. Also, if your always talking instead of listening, you never give yourself a chance to learn more.
I agree. Listening is a learned skill when you master this skill the way you interact with people will change for the better.
Tom Peters is correct. Listening is so very important. The 18 seconds shocked me. If I was guessing, I would have guessed a shorter amount of time. The great part about this video is everyone can use this throughout their lives, not just in the working environment.
This video definitely has a lot of truth to it! So many managers are quick to make decisions just based on past experiences but they should make a point to listen on an individual level. Everyone should work on improving their listening skills!
I think every one around us is guilty of being an 18 second listener. Everybody just wants to speak their own opinion and not listen to anybody else. As I have grown older my listening skills have improved a lot. I have noticed a lot of the companies that Ive worked for just has managers that boss employees around. Its either their way or the highway. Everyone should work on improving their listening skills.
I have never had a problem with being a good listener. I hate to interrupt people and I also hate not having any sort of reply to what they say. For the most part, I listen close so I can come up with a reply that makes sense. I do hate when people don't listen to me though. Especially since I take the time to listen to them.
a listener is someone who can listen and take in information and use it. when you become a better listener life will e so much simpler for you! also if you care about someones feelings and what theri talking about you will listen to them.
I really do believe in the strategic listening that Tom Peters talked about. People that interrupt with their opinion before the person is done talking drives me insane. Let the person finish what he or she has to say then provide a answer. I find that people who don't talk much and listen get more out of something that a person who constantly interrupts with his or her own opinion. Tom Peters makes a great point that listening is way more important in a business setting that planning because you get everyones input then you can make a final decision. This would make employees feel that much more important and productive.
I agree that strategic listening is the most important part. It really matters and is important that you listen to your employees, bosses, and everyone else carefully. I am not sure about the 18 second manager statement—if it is true that most people are 18 second managers. I agree that you learn the most when you’re listening.
I agree with Mr. Tom Peters regarding listening which I feel is very important to practice doing because it has many benefits. Managers and employees should both listen to each other to minimize incorrect directions and information.People should get in the habit of not being first to interrupt during a conversation and just simply listen. Eventualy you will get a chance to speak and suggest opinions. This can be beneficial in learning things you may not otherwise know.
Strategic listening is a very important quality that a manager or really anyone should possess. If you don't take the time to listen to the full problem, you could miss key issues. Take into consideration Mr. Peters' example: doctors. If they interrupt a patient too quickly, they may miss a symptom that could change the prognosis of that patient.
I think that there is a lot of truth to what Tom had to say. Most people are quick to interject when they think they know what your talking about. This isn't just the case with doctors, but in everyday life as well. I know that i need to work on my listing skills rather than trying to give my opinion. We should all work on listening because we all don't listen good enough.
I've always complained about how managers or people with authority never listens to me. I hate for someone to break me off in the middle of my sentence, because then, I don't want to talk anymore. It's best to let the people finish talking rather than budding in thinking you know what they're going to say. There have been many incidents where someone has interrupted me thinking they know what I was going to say, and said things that were irrelevant.
I've always tried to be a good listener, but I realize now that I do interrupt people with my 'solutions' or ideas before they've even completed their thoughts. At the same time, you're also under a lot of pressure to get the most out of your time, so I have to wonder where the happy compromise point is. Maybe ask them to summarize first, then if you need more information, ask for clarification?
I’m a pretty poor listener because, even though I let people finish, my mind tends to run and I start thinking about what I’m going to say. Listening is definitely an acquired skill that plenty of people lack. Interjecting constantly is rude and annoying, but fixable if you simply don’t open your mouth! The hard part is comprehending what they are saying or trying to say and facilitating conversation.
I agree that most people are 18 second listeners. Sadly,I feel I am one of these cases. It is not a positvie trait to hear people out for such a short amount of time for numerous reasons. You will not achieve a full concept at what is going on even though you may think you do. Not to mention just hearing an individual out shows them that you have respect for them and what they are saying. It also is a positive reflection of you and your personality.
Listening is one of the most underrated aspects of communication. In the workplace it often seems as if most people not just managers often care about getting their word in. Peters was right in saying that listening is a skill that can be improved. Listening can open your mind to other ideas that you wouldnt be up to if you just yapped away your ideas all the time. Listening managers are some of the most well respected.
Listening is the single fastest way to learn something about a person. Just as he stated within every word, sentence, and paragraph are plenty of clues to learning about someone.
I think I tend to do this but it might depend on the subject matter. I usually am very good about having my friends tell me things that they need someone to listen to and then give an opinion on. For those types of situations, I do let the person speak and have the chance to say everything that they need to say. I then chime in at the end when they come with the typical question of "Now what do you think?". However in heated arguments or decisions that I have a great passion for I will most definitely chime in sooner than later. I like to make my point when the opportunity seems appropriate rather than waiting until the very end and having to go back to the topic discussed.
This is great advice. I once worked for a manager who loved the sound of her own voice. We were constantly going through employees because in interviews she talked the whole time. It's especially important to listen in an interview. She was just awful, never let anyone get a word in. You can find out a lot about people or situations if you just be quiet, sit back, and listen.
Most managers don't listen to what their employees have to say and advise their employees to do something that is not right. If the managers would take the extra few minutes to listen to what the employees have to say they can figure out a better way to solve the problem.
Communication is every important and very underrated. I am bad about interrupting and have struggled with this for awhile. I agree completely that listening is something that can be improved upon. I try to give the best idea to the issue as I see it and move on. You cant get back wasted time and some people just like their own voice a little to much. However, I know in order to become a good manager I will need to approve upon this weakness.
i agree 100 percent. listing and communication in an organization is so important. my boss is so dumb. he never listens to anything we have to say. its either he is right or you are gone. i have argued with him countless time on numerous subjects and i can barley get a word in. he just doesn't want to hear your opinion are reason.
I agree with this video. Many managers are very quick to interrupt. Most managers have so much on their mind they can't listen to what you have to say. This makes it frustrating for employees. When someone isn't listening to you, you feel very unimportant. As an employer, I feel it is very important to take into consideration, what everyone feels. It makes for a much happier work environment, when all opinions are known!
This video describes a lot of bosses and/or managers that I've had before. They really don't listen and are very quick to interrupt and tell you either what they think or what they want you to do instead of letting you tell them your own story. If managers would actually listen instead of interrupting then they would have a better understanding of where their employees were coming from and the employees would feel the greater respect.
I do agree that listening is a very big part of any job. People need to learn how to listen and listen carefully. Because if you can not listen carefully than you might miss some very imoortant instructions that the boss is telling you. If you plan to be a managers than you must be able to listen to your employees. Because if they have a problem than it is your responible to resolve the problem in a best way possible.
I am trying to think.. Am I a 18 second manager? I really do not think that I am, because I remember how its was trying to speak with my boss and always getting interrupted. I am a listener who likes to hear what the person has to say and listen to the whole story before interrupting. But sometimes being this type of listener or manager people will take advatage of and tell you all of their problems.Like everything is, there are pros and cons to everything we do..even listening.
When I helped manage a at my old job, there were many things we had to make sure of. Happy customers equals return business and hopefully more money. If you have happy employees then you will most likely have happy customers. I think that by gaining the employees respect they will take pride in their job and the business itself. I know there is a line boss's must keep when dealing with employees, but the best way to connect with them is by listening and learning about them. Listen like a friend, but advise as a manager.
I've had a few bosses that need to view this clip! It's very important to hear your employees out before answering their question or jumping to conclusions. This is also true with friendships and family relations. If some people would shut their mouth and listen a few seconds longer, they may not be worked about something they just assumed from the beginning!
I'm very glad I watched this video. I'm not in a management position, but daily I would say I'm an 18 second person all together. My fiance' backed that up. He is a supervisor at a food distribution warehouse. He knows the importance of actually listening to his selectors, vendors, and managers over him. I think we could all benefit from not automatically assuming anything. It would waste less time and ensure both parties are having their needs met.
I have never considered this listening issue before. It has certainly made me aware of this situation. This gentleman is very passionate about these 18 seconds. I believe he is correct. In the future, I am going to concentrate on this concept to fine tune my listening skills and see if what he states is correct. This will be something good for all of us to learn especially in work situations where listening can be very important
I have had bosses who get straight to the point and let you know what business needs to be done in a very impersonal way. I have also had bosses who chat and joke and never really manage, just watch over. I have been able to enjoy the company of those bosses more, but they were not nearly as effective as the managers who prefer to keep it to business. I think 18 seconds is enough time to get a point across, and if people can't do that before getting cut off then I think they need to take a strategic talking class.
After watching this video, I can admit that I am guilty. I can't even count the times I have been in a conversation with someone, and while "listening" to them talk, all I could think about was how I wished they'd just shut up so I can say what I want to say. I think it's just a natural instinct that we all have and need to work on.
I believe one of the most important things to do to be successful is to listen to people. It shows people that you care and that you respect their opinions and what they are saying. Listening I a great leadership skill, and I agree with Tom Peters in saying that there needs to be a college course on listening to customers and just people in your everyday life.
I think this is a video that everyone needs to see. Too many people these days just want to talk and tell everyone what they know or what they think they know instead of listening and learning. I think having a listening class would be a great class that would be very beneficial. Everyone needs to learn to listen more and if someone say that they don't need to listen more then they obviously were not listening.
It is very true. A lot of people prefer to talk over listen. People interrupt all the time. Bosses, parents, teacher, children, everyone. I would have to say that I would consider myself a pretty good listener. I'm a pretty intuitive person. I try to listen, but I like others still find myself interrupting. I think people sometimes get passionate about subject matters they just don't think when they have something to say. They just want to get out what they have to say without realizing that they are interrupting the other person. I think everyone should take a lesson from this video, including myself and make an effort to be a more effective listener and listen more, rather then speak.
Managers should be able to listen and understand what their employees are talking about and vice verse. When someone does not listen to another, that other person feels less valuable. Needless to say listening is so important.
I wasn't expecting 18 seconds, but I know people don't listen for long. It isn't always a bad thing because most people state and restate basic, useless information, and someone needs to interrupt them before the year ends.
I am so guilty of this. There have been several times where I have interrupted someone during a conversation and this is definitely something I need to work on. His MBA course would be very interesting to take with the two classes on listening.
I definitely agree with Tom that there should be classes based on listening just like we have on speaking. I think they are both just as equally important. Honestly, I am more of a listener vs. being a speaker. I like to bring up topics and hear other peoples views and input on those topics. Listening can really help you get a feel of what kind of person someone is.
I would definitely consider myself apart of the 18 second listener group. Listening is definitely important in relationship, whether professional or personal, and also extremely important in business because business is based on relationships. I can sometimes cut people off or try to guess what the conclusion of someones statement is before they even finish, but I do believe it's something I can and will work on.
I am guilty of this interrupting thing. Many people in our society think they know everything. It is interesting that people only listen for about 18 seconds. Now that he has stated this, it seems kind of true. No one listens anymore. All we do is talk talk talk.
I agree with Tom Peters on his Importance of Listening. Most people try to rush things instead of taking the time to listen and actually learn about a person. Listening is very improtant, especially in a workplace. When you don't listen you could mess something up totally.
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