Blog Layout

When Managers Really Listen

Cathie Leimbach • Aug 05, 2020

This is a subtitle for your new post

When you talk with your team members, do you assume that you are understanding everything they are trying to tell you? Many of us would say that of course we understand. Both of us are fluent in English and we aren't stupid!


However, such thinking ignores several realities of human communication.

There may be, on average, 28 different precise meanings or innuendoes for each word in the English language.

What we as listeners 'hear' tends to only be 50% accurate. Half of what the other person is trying to communicate has not reached our brain.

The words someone says only account for 7% of the message we receive. The speaker's voice has a 38% impact and body language has a 55% impact on how we interpret the message.


Since there are so many factors that interfere with effective communication, we are wise, not stupid, to utilize reflective listening. This can be as simple as listening intently and then saying, "What I heard is . . . . Did I hear you correctly?" Then the other person can further explain to increase clarity.


How much could you reduce interpersonal discord and wasted time and money if you increased clarity and alignment within your team by regularly practicing reflective listening?

The Power of Two: Why One-on-One Collaboration Wins Every Time

By Cathie Leimbach • 13 May, 2024
In our fast-paced world, collaboration is key. But have you considered the power of one-on-one collaboration? Ditch the crowded conference rooms and lengthy email threads. Diving deep with just one other person can unlock a treasure trove of benefits, strengthening both personal and professional relationships. Here's why one-on-one collaboration is a secret weapon: · Building Trust: Sharing ideas, concerns, and even vulnerabilities in a safe, confidential space is the cornerstone of trust. One-on-one sessions foster this by creating a platform for genuine connection and a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives. · Effective Communication: Imagine a focused conversation, free from distractions. One-on-one settings allow for clear and direct communication. This leads to better alignment on goals, expectations, and tasks, ensuring everyone is on the same page. · Personalized Support: We all learn and grow differently. One-on-one collaboration allows for tailored support and feedback. Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses paves the way for personalized guidance, maximizing individual potential. · Problem-Solving Innovation: Brainstorming with just one other person can spark a firestorm of creativity. The sense of truly being heard in one-on-one sessions encourages out-of-the-box thinking and risk-taking, leading to innovative solutions that might get lost in a larger group setting. · Enhanced Accountability: Working closely with someone fosters a sense of mutual responsibility. Each person feels invested in the success of the partnership, leading to greater motivation, commitment, and a shared sense of accomplishment.  So next time you're looking to build stronger bonds, improve communication, or spark innovation, consider the power of one-on-one collaboration. It might just be the key to unlocking hidden potential and achieving great things, together.

The Power of Collaboration: Building Success Together

By Cathie Leimbach • 06 May, 2024
In today’s dynamic work world, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of success. Defined as the synergy of individuals pooling their strengths and ideas towards a common goal, collaboration fosters innovation, productivity, and workplace harmony. Here’s why it matters: Increasing Productivity : studies, like those from Stanford, revealed that collaborative efforts can boost productivity by a staggering 50%. Combatting Workplace Failures : according to 86% of executives, the lack of collaboration stands as a primary cause of workplace failures; underlining its critical role in organizational success. Decreasing Turnover : Gallup research highlights that fostering a collaborative environment can reduce turnover rates by an impressive 50%, showcasing its impact on employee satisfaction and retention.  Collaboration isn’t just about working side-by-side; it’s about harnessing diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to achieve goals collectively. In essence, collaboration isn’t just a means to an end this—it’s the essence of progress and prosperity in today’s interconnected world.
More Posts
Share by: