One of the common problems in communication is not listening actively. Listening is the core of every successful interaction at the work place and it is a skill that can be acquired. It is estimated that 60% of corporate problems stem from poor listening.
As an HRM, listening actively is key to the discharge of your duties both to management and workers. Most of the work of an HRM is hinged on effective communication, ensuring that programs and policies of the organization are realized, hence the HRM needs to have the ability to receive feedbacks from stakeholders. When you have finally conquered the art of communicating your ideas and preparing to participate, you need to make sure you have the capacity to listen to what is being said.
There is a Chinese symbol for the verb ‘to listen’. This symbol is made up of five parts that are seen as crucial to the concept of ‘to listen’:
Chinese Symbol ‘To Listen’ (Liran, 2014)
Listening does not only involve the ear but also the heart, the various part of the symbol are elaborated below.
- Ears: Make sure you are listening to people and hearing them.
- Eyes: Connecting with the person through eye contact.
- Undivided Attention: Not being distracted by something away from the conversation.
- Heart: Engaging with the person, and;
- King: finally, the king, representing the combination of all the above together, which results in a king-like control.
