This is my last article as DCC Director. It has been a whirlwind and quick two years. My congratulations to Micheal Campbell with Trademark Concrete who will take the reins during the World of Concrete. I know he will do an outstanding job.

Over the past 23 newsletters I’ve discussed a range of topics. Some specific to decorative concrete, some general business management and sales, and a few along the lines of self-help or self-improvement.

This last topic isn’t one that I’ve been saving as a finale, and although it is January, it isn’t because it’s a New Years resolution (though it DOES make a good one, if you’re still searching). It is a life skill that I must continually work on and it’s an important one in both your personal and professional life- listening, active listening.

When one describes a good communicator or leader we are usually talking about a great speaker/presenter, not a great listener. But, oh, how important listening is. Business owners and managers that listen well create organizational cultures where people feel heard and valued and that reduces turnover and increases productivity and job satisfaction. Listening is also ranked higher than speaking and presenting as the most important communication skill.

In our personal relationships communication is the key to happiness and success. That communication starts with listening. Our spouses, children, and friends deserve our undivided attention and are far more important than any article we may be reading, show we are watching, or social media we are scrolling.

There are several techniques you can use to become a better listener. The first is “listen until the end”. Are you really listening or are you already thinking about your response? Or do you interrupt the other person with a solution while they are still speaking or a similar story of your own before they finish (thus making the conversation all about you)? Let the other person finish their thoughts. Then and only then is it your turn to speak.

Next is “listen to understand”, not to respond or solve the issue. For instance, some conversations might require you to repeat what you heard…to make sure you’re on the same page. You might ask “so what you’re saying is…” or summarize and ask “did I get that right”? or “what am I missing”?

When listening, do so for both content and the relationship. For the content, listening to understand is key. For the relationship dimension listening until the end is key. I found it also helps to look the other person in the eyes. Ever have a conversation with someone who won’t stop scrolling or put their phone down? Or won’t stop what they are doing and look at you? Makes you feel unheard or unimportant.

I struggle with conversations like this all the time. I can be watching a game, or just now, typing out an article, when someone talks to me and I give the obligatory “uh huh” or “yes, Dear” and have no idea what I’ve just agreed to.

Once you have good foundational listening skills you can begin listening for values, building your intuition and perception skills. Understanding your employee’s values and how they impact their behavior will make you a better leader. Our values influence what we perceive as challenges, how we take criticism, and what motivates us.  When you really listen to someone, over time you learn what’s important to them and react accordingly. Understanding their values gets you beyond the surface issue to what is triggering their emotions. You may not solve every problem on the spot, but acknowledging your employee’s values creates an engaging environment for everyone.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the World of Concrete and having those meaningful conversations that make ASCC a great organization.

Rich