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Are You Being Heard?

Cathie Leimbach • October 16, 2023

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership, and it's equally important for a leader to ensure that their message is not just conveyed but also heard and understood by their employees. Here are some key indicators that a leader can look for to know if their message has been received:


1.    Active Listening: A leader can gauge an employee's engagement by observing their active listening skills. Are they making eye contact, nodding, or asking clarifying questions? These are signs that the message is being absorbed.


2.    Feedback and Questions: When employees ask questions or seek clarification, it indicates they are processing the information. Leaders should encourage such queries as they demonstrate an employee's genuine interest in understanding the message.


3.    Paraphrasing: Ask the employee to summarize the key points of the message in their own words. If they can, they have likely grasped the information correctly. If they can’t, it is important to further explain and/or demonstrate until their words or actions indicate they know what is expected.


4.    Body Language: Non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and posture can reveal much about an employee's comprehension. An engaged employee will exhibit open and receptive body language.


5.    Follow-Up Actions: Ultimately, an employee's actions speak louder than words. If they take appropriate actions in line with the communicated message, it's a clear indicator of understanding.



If the employee does not exhibit the above indicators of understanding and engagement they are unlikely to meet your expectations. To ensure that their message is understood, a leader must be attuned to these signs of effective communication, fostering a culture of clarity and productivity in the workplace. 

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