Practical Coach: Management Skills for Everyday Life, The

Chapter Summary

Communication is the real work of managers. Effective managers spend much of their time in informal and unplanned communication. This communication enables them to obtain timely information, build relationships, and develop support for their ideas.

Active listening refers to listening to understand another person's point of view without evaluating or judging the other person or his or her views. Active listening involves listening with intensity, listening with empathy, demonstrating acceptance, taking responsibility for completeness, and being yourself. Remember that active listening is more a sincere attitude of openness and respect than a set of rigid techniques.

Employees want feedback so that they can know how they are doing. ...