“We learn more by listening than we do by talking.”
–Margi Bush
This is Day #17 of a collaborative project with my strategic partner, Margi Bush of Wisdom Tree Coaching.
If you haven’t read Day One-Sixteen in this series, you may want to read those first. Today we will continue to explore our fourth theme, Relationship Management.
Today, we want to offer up suggestions for being a Boss that goes F.A.R. with relationship management with direct reports:
- F: Fully Present.Limit all distractions and be genuinely interested in your direct report. Ask yourself, “What am doing to avoid all assumptions and be prepared to truly listen?”
- A: Asks Deep Questions.These are questions that show an interest in another person. They go beyond, “How are you?” Deep questions require thinking on the part of the direct report. Ask, “When did you feel appreciated this week?” or “How can I better lead you?” or “What do you need from me to help you succeed?”
- Reflectively Listen.Respond to direct report’s comments in such a way that they feel heard and understood. “What I heard you say is…tell me more.”
You have 14 days left in 2018, take time and practice being the Boss who goes F.A.R. in managing relationships with direct reports.
We wish you a day of Intent Awareness, Innate Curiosity, and Best Choices for Meaningful Change. Now go out there and be a Great Boss.