As a business leader, you know that things don’t always go as planned. Issues arise and teams work in an environment with shifting dynamics and various motivations.
It’s the leaders job to listen and address work-related concerns. It’s a tough job that many leaders do really well.
On the other hand, according to DDI World, 57% of workers report being disengaged and feel ignored by their bosses. Complaints about the boss are common. Many of these complaints boil down to biological hardwiring.
Your hardwiring is powerful. It pre-determines how you operate at work and even the environments where you best thrive.
As the leader, knowing how you process thought, internally or externally, can make a significant and lasting difference when it comes to engaging your team. If you process thoughts internally, you may be giving a blank processing stare when your team members are talking to you. This stare leaves your team members wondering if they’ve been heard.
Notice when your team is sharing something with you and they start to repeat themselves. Internal processors simply need to acknowledge what the person has said with a nod or a short statement, such as, “I hear you, give me a minute to think about that.” In this way, it gives you time to process and your team member the acknowledgement that their message was received.
Your biological hardwiring is critical to your leadership. The more you understand your hardwiring and the hardwiring of those around you, the better you’ll be at keeping your team engaged.
P.S. Know someone who gives you the blank processing stare? Share this article with them.
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