• Newsletter Archives

, Natalie Manor & Associates

Welcome to ’s Leadership Excellence – The Roadmap

The Roadmap for Effective Listening

Preoccupied…Sometimes Listening is Hard 

Have you ever been totally preoccupied while listening to someone you really wanted to listen to?  Well, that was me this last week. 

While finishing up my conversation with Christina, our Director of Finance, regarding some budget numbers, I realized I just wasn’t being a good listener.  I was preoccupied with an upcoming coaching call that was going to take place in 15 minutes.  

So I took a deep breath and re-engaged in the conversation.  I put my notes away, stopped browsing my email screen and connected to what she was saying.  Immediately the tone of the conversation changed.  I was really listening to some critical information and contributing to the outcome of the discussion.  It felt good to be connected and engaged with her.  We easily finished our call on time.  I was relaxed and ready to be an excellent coach for my next call. 

Listening is a key skill for all of us.  These skills are learned, so there is hope for all of us yet.  As with any skill, we need to revisit the tools that help us listen like a pro.  When we truly listen to what others are saying they can tell and they feel valued and respected.  It feels good for us too and creates effective communication.  We have a CD that deals with the skill of "Effective Listening for Leaders" www.NatalieManor.com/shop that I think you will find helpful.   

Preoccupation is the number one bar to effective listening.  We become preoccupied even when we think we are really listening because we have so much to do and feeling like there is so little time to do it in.  Preoccupation is the act of thinking while the other is speaking, judging the information or the speaker and feeling like what we should be doing is really much more important than what is being said at that moment.   

There are real issues that keep us from listening well and many are very important.  They may include emails to answer; reports to complete; kids to find rides for; deadlines to consider in our planning; projects that are coming up and creating time to be creative and lead well.

As busy leaders, you are tasked with so much.  Preoccupation is a habit that will keep you from being as effective and clear as you would like.  You might want to take a deep breath right now and see how preoccupied you are at this very moment.    

I wrote an article on "Effective Listening for Leaders" that can be found by using this link: www.NatalieManor.com/aricles/.  It has some great content that you can use yourself or share with your team or organization. 

You know, when we listen to others with our full attention, people feel valued and respected.  I know that happens when I feel truly listened to.   

Have a terrific week.  Good listening to you.  I’d enjoy hearing how you eliminate your preoccupations and how it helps with your listening.  Please send your emails to CoachNatalie@NatalieManor.com.    

Next week in our Roadmap message to you, we will provide you with the Top Ten Tips for Effective Listening for Leaders.  It is a list that can be copied and posted on your bulletin board or shared with your team.  The Top Ten Tips for Effective Listening for Leaders will also be posted on our website for you.

’s Roadmap is sent only to those who have requested it.  We value your privacy and never share our mailing list with anyone. To Subscribe, please visit our website at: www.NatalieManor.com/email.  To Cancel or Change your subscription, use the links at the bottom. Do NOT "reply" to this email!

The Team

, Natalie Manor & Associates

, Natalie Manor & Associates is an organization of consultants, corporate trainers and executive coaching professionals who provide measurable results for our clients in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Strategic Planning and Cultural Development.  To inquire about ’s executive coaching, speaking, customized training, facilitations and seminars for your group or organization, or to schedule an initial consultation, contact us at: Success@NatalieManor.com

Copyright (c) 2007, all rights reserved.
U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1529-059X
You may copy, forward or distribute ’s Roadmap if this copyright notice and full information for contacting , Natalie Manor & Associates are included. Contact us at: www.NatalieManor.com/contact  or send an email to Success@NatalieManor.com

A GIFT TO A FRIEND!
Please forward this copy to your friends and colleagues!  That's how we grow! We appreciate your sharing your copy of ’s Roadmap with friends, family and associates. Thank you!

To SUBSCRIBE please visit our website at www.NatalieManor.com/email

To CANCEL or CHANGE your subscription, please visit our website at www.NatalieManor.com/email

Published by:
, Natalie Manor & Associates 

If you no longer wish to receive communication from us: Cancel

To update your contact information: Update