Listening to employees, customers, colleagues, and even suppliers is an essential management tool. When the manager does not listen he misses the reality and makes wrong decisions. But why don’t some managers listen:
- They know they are wrong. If they get involved in a discussion with anyone they won’t be able to defend their decisions. Those should rethink about how they make decisions in the first place
- They think they are very experienced that no one else can add anything. Those should remember that sometimes a new look will allow for new ideas.
- They are highly educated that they don’t think a less educated customer or supplier or employee can give them any information. Those should study marketing to understand the role of customers.
- They are lazy. The point is that they don’t know the power of listening
- They don’t know how to listen. Whenever they listen they don’t reach anything useful. Those need to know how to listen and how to use what they hear.
- They don’t like to be criticised. A manager should know that criticism contains very useful information. If one criticises your product/service ten he is really helping you to improve it.
- They are not used to it. Working in an environment where no one listens for a long time makes it a habit “not to listen”
Listening to employees makes them feel they have some value and allows you to get very important information. You will know about problems, employees way of thinking, and their feelings. Listening to customers is very essential for improving current products and developing new ones. Listening to suppliers allows you to get their experience and their input. Listening to colleagues allows you to know their problems and their opinions. Listening to others allows you to see your mistakes. So, please listen.
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