Listening Workshops
I can't stress enough how valuable being able to listen properly is to relationships,
especially in the workplace environment.
Government reports suggest that stress related absenteeism is on the rise, costing your business money.
The fact is we all need to offload from time to time, if we don't then we get sick.
Several years ago I trained with the voluntary listening service the 'Samaritans'.
That experience turned everything I thought was good listening on its head.
Let me give you an example of the typical style of listening we have come to accept as normal -
James : "I am so stressed at the office, I just don't know if I can keep up with the pressure"
Simon : "I know just what you mean, I'm having exactly the same problem......"
Philip : "You think you've got problems, I've heard that my department is gong to be outsourced to India..."
Rob : "If you ask me you should all tell your boss to shove it!"
The point is that none of these friends are actually listening. They see an opportunity to hijack the
conversation and focus it back on themselves.
It's like a game of football - "I'm in possession", "No, I am", "What about me?".
It can be quite amusing to think of it in these terms, but underneath there is real emotion.
Those feelings are not being validated and so they stay trapped, unheard and this can lead to
stress related illness.
This kind of scenario happens in workplaces all over the world, Is it familiar to you?
I imagine the honest answer to that would be Yes.
You see most of us are not taught good listening in school or at home so it's not really our fault.
However, we can take responsibilty and learn how, then we can be part of the solution.
I run 'Listening' workshops in businesses for groups of around 24 people at a time.
It's a fun, informative, challenging and inspiring morning that everyone enjoys being involved in.
To discuss booking a session for your employees please contact me.
I look forward to working with you.