Personal Advancement
Employers say recent grads lack communication skillsLearn to actively listenCommunication skills top the list of what employers look for the most in employees and job candidates according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers in the United States. Ironically, communication skills also top the list of skills most lacking in new college graduates. |
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 [ 2007-05-23 ] |
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It's no wonder that employers value good communication as much as they do.
It's a skill that prevents accidents and mistakes; saves time and money; and resolves problems among co-workers, bosses or customers, according to Marsha J. Ludden, M.A., author of the new workbook Effective Workplace Communication, Third Edition.
Despite its impact on workplace efficiency, communication is still a skill everyone from new graduates to seasoned professionals struggle to perfect.
Often this is because people forget about the most important component of good communication -- active listening. Ludden believes listening is not only essential in the workplace, but a key to an individual's career success as well.
"According to business experts, the higher one's position in a company the more time that individual spends listening," says Marsha J. Ludden, M.A.
"Learning to listen has rewards. Good listening skills will reflect positively on your work record. An employee who has shown the ability to listen and follow directions will earn the respect of his or her supervisor. If you want to advance on the job, learn to listen. Remember good leaders are good listeners," Ludden says.
Fortunately, learning how to be a good listener can be easily done in seven steps. In Effective Workplace Communication, Ludden offers the following advice on how to actively listen to instructions given in the workplace:
1. Look at the person as he or she speaks.
2. Notice words that he or she stresses.
3. Watch for anything he or she writes down.
4. Listen to each step in the instructions.
5. Take notes to help remember each step.
6. Do not interrupt. Wait until the person has finished speaking.
7. Ask questions to clarify the instructions.
"Listening is not a natural talent for most people. You must practice good listening skills," Ludden says, stressing the importance of communication in the workplace.
"Consider this, how many people do you know who lost a job because they listened? On the other hand, how many people do you know who lost a job because they didn't?"
How many hours a week do you work?