Building Your Team: Hey! Listen Up!

I once heard of a man who considered his dog part of his team. "He's loyal. He's faithful. And he doesn't argue back."

Well, I don't know if you consider your dog part of your team or not. I do know that we all have a team, whether we call them that officially or not. We've heard quoted, "No man is an island." That seems to be true for all of us: entrepreneurs, Internet marketers, employees, and family members!

(And friends, let's not forget that our spouses can be the most important members of our team. Their support and understanding can affect not only us deeply, but also our business. Securing their support can give us the freedom to pursue the sometimes crazy and time-consuming world of on-line marketing!)

Today, let's consider one small part of the whole team-building picture: Listening.

How do you measure up?

Do you really hear what's being said? Do your team members feel that you give importance to their opinions? Do they feel valued? Even cherished? (As in case of family members.)

Sometimes we need to be reminded of what it takes to be a good listener. Check and see if some of the following tips might help fine-tune your ears!

1. Set aside a regular time to listen to your team members. No, I'm not talking about conference calls, round-table discussions, or chat rooms. I'm talking one-on-one. Give each member individually your undivided attention. Regularly. Let them know that you're there to listen to their opinions and ideas.
2. Stifle the urge to be formulating your response when the other person is talking (or writing). When we're so busy thinking up what we're going to say (or write) in reply, we often miss what's actually being expressed.
3. Realize that your team members have a life outside of their work or your connection with them. When you ask how it's going---do you really mean it? And then do you remember what was said, so that next time you can ask about Aunt Mildred and how she came through surgery?
4. Listen with both an open mind and heart. Hear more than the words. What is the motivation behind the words? Where is the person coming from? What personality characteristics might be influencing what is being said?
5. Leave judgment behind. All of us can tell when we're being judged. Usually, it will either make us very defensive or very silent. Our task is not to judge, it's to listen.
6. Rephrase what you hear being shared. This is called 'mirroring' and it ensures that you heard correctly.
7. Be grateful. Let your team members know that you appreciate their opinions and their feedback.

Incorporate some of these reminders today and enjoy greater team loyalty and spirit. Your downline and your upline will be happier for it!

And yes, if you want to, go ahead and add your dog as your newest team member.

Blessings on you and yours.....