I recently read this article regarding, well, its title. However, I imagined myself in a business meeting that happened a few days ago, and I think the strategy discussed in this job interview article also applies once you’ve landed or had a job for 10 years. The gist? Don’t think too much, but rather, be an active listener. Obviously, if you go into a coma-like state while someone is speaking, you won’t really be equipped to answer his questions, or reply to his comments, once he’s done, but concentrating on others’ perspectives for just a moment will actually add value to the next thing you say in a meeting.
In my meeting the other day, we had brought together representatives from five different areas of our organization for a brainstorming session. We were all trying to accomplish the same goal, and each of us brought a different set of abilities and accesses that would contribute to accomplishing this goal. It was a long meeting. However, as the conversation developed, I began to pick up on some micro-successes and failures in communication. Sometimes, someone (myself included) talked about her approach for so long that the others got bored or missed the point. Other times, (let’s use “Sue and Fred,” for example), Sue responded to Fred’s point in a way that not only showed Sue listened and considered Fred’s idea, but also in a way that built a little goodwill between them. In these moments, the act of listening made all of us more inclined to listen and consider Sue’s ideas (you know, show a little courtesy, people notice, and the gesture will be returned). We all appreciated the notion that Sue was more concerned with the greater good of the group, and of the cause, than being the one whose approach was utilized.
“But who really cares if people like me,” I challenged myself, “as long as I’m bringing valuable ideas/strategies to the table?” I answered my question through further course of the meeting. It seemed as though what was just as important as how smart and effective anyone’s ideas might have been, was how well the other cohorts understood it and how it might be implemented. Some great ideas were passed right over when they weren’t conveyed in a concise, layman-friendly way. Although it was a room of smart people, not all of us were versed in the same specialties, so sometimes ideas did need to be “dumbed down” for the group.
The bottom line? Be courteous and keep others’ perspectives in mind. Be a good listener. And despite your ego (or the temptation to show off your technical vocabulary), make sure that other people can understand what you mean, all on their own. People like that; it makes them feel good. When you make people feel good, they like you. When they like you, they’re inclined to continue to listen to you. All of the sudden, you’re in a position to be heard, make a difference, get a job, or become the go-to girl or guy for the next project or promotion.
Most of my story is generic; I’m sure just about anyone, who’s ever been part of a meeting with other people, has realized something along the same lines. The point is simple, though, and I’ll be the first to admit that we, as humans, often need reminded of simple things. (Why else would your mother have had to tell you, “Don’t forget to wash behind your ears…” your whole life?) Take a look at the article below for an additional ”reminder” of this simple strategy to stay ahead in the career world.
http://www.workcoachcafe.com/2010/02/23/what-should-i-be-thinking-during-a-job-interview/
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