When you’re with someone, are you genuinely interested in what they have to say?  When someone is speaking, are you really hearing what they are conveying, or are you thinking about what YOU are going to say next?  And, perhaps more importantly, if you are not carefully listening to someone, how can you truly help them or satisfy their needs?

As a business owner, you not only to further develop your listening skills, but you should also have a plan in place so your employees become active listeners – of what your customers wants and need are. 

Many times throughout my career, I have been able to solve a customer’s problem because I carefully listened to what they were saying – which allowed me to propose a solution, which often resulted in increased revenues for my company. Even though my intention was to help solve a problem for my client.

The art of listening – and of truly being present in the moment – is a major theme in my recent book, Beyond Common: 12 Essentials for Success in Life and in the Workplace.  I felt that so many people didn’t understand that it’s a lifelong journey to listen, to be present, and to be a part of the conversation in a way that helps as many people as possible. 

In the salon industry, I often heard customers say they've always had bad hair, or don't know what to do with their hair.  By listening carefully, and asking the right questions, I was able to respond with an answer that helped them. 

Now, think for a minute -- what if we could create a program so that all of your employees could develop these powerful listening skills? 

Not only would you have many more happy clients, but your bottom line would benefit as well.

When I’m coaching business owners on how to improve the listening skills within their organization, I often share my very simple formula:

• LISTEN for the Problem
• IDENTIFY the problem
• OFFER a solution or a few possible solutions
• PROVIDE a testimonial supported by facts.

Of course all listening and communication skills start from the top down in every organization. As the leader and business owner you will need to make sure your listening skills continue to keep improving so you can help support the growth and future development of everyone in your organization. I hope learning about our communication miss-steps helps you and your team get more clear on being present, listening, and communication!

If you are looking for more ways to level up your communication for yourself and  your team check out my latest book Beyond Common to help get your whole team on the same page and moving forward in the same direction.

If you want to see improved business performance at your company, and you need a little help and inspiration to keep going as the leader subscribe to my  Beyond Common Business Secrets, podcast where we share more business success secrets and tools you can use to build important life and career skills.

Happy Listening! Please let us know the success you have using my simple listening formula, I would love to hear how it goes for you.

Thanks for reading our blog!

Tracey Watts Cirino