Listen Up

 

What about the remaining 40 percent? What do project managers do during roughly two days of the week? They are communicating. Managers spends the majority of their time communicating with others to ensure the project proceeds smoothly. Communications may be with clients, with team members or with superiors. They may communicate by telephone, e-mail, fax or face-to-face. And most of the time, when a manager communicates, he is listening.

The Importance of Listening
There are two components to a conversation, a speaker and a listener. Many of us have read articles or attended seminars on how to be a better speaker. We've marveled at dynamic presenters, saying "What a great speaker!" We practice speaking in front of mirrors, on the way to work, before meeting a client--all to get our message across.

But have you ever marveled at a great listener? Have you ever taken a course or read a book …

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