10 Reasons Why Men Need to Listen in the Workplace

March 24, 2009

Better listening means more productivity.

In 1909 it really didn’t matter that men are from Mars, and women are from Venus when it came to business. The workplace of 2009, however, is completely different. And in this new and still emerging world, conflicting Mars Venus styles can take a heavy toll on office efficiency and bottom line sales.

When you speak to hundreds of professional women about their workplace experience with their male colleagues, or the guys who are trying to sell them a product or service, it becomes clear that from a Venusian perspective, a man’s inability to listen tops the list of their frustrations.

What these Martians don’t get is that demonstrating that you care on Venus has more to do with how you listen than any other single factor. Men are always driven to offer up quick solutions. They think they’re being helpful when to a woman it appears that their quick response is simply dismissive. Here are ten benefits men can receive in the workplace simply by learning to listen to their female colleagues and clients.

1. When you listen to a woman without rushing to get to the point, this gives her the message that you care about her input and it will increase her sense of trust in you. Most importantly she will want to work in harmony with you.

2. When you have taken the time to listen and ask thoughtful questions, she will feel that you are engaged in the issues she has raised and she is much more likely to want to do business with you.

3. By not interrupting with a quick “Mr. Fit-It” solution, you acknowledge the validity of her issue. After having been heard, she is more open to trust the validity of your solutions.

4. By patiently reflecting on what she has said, you can help to clarify her concerns. This process of patience and thoughtful reflection, perhaps waiting a day before responding, will also enhance her trust in the clarity you bring to her concerns.

5. Listening without interruption sends the message that your service to her as a supplier of a needed service or product will be equally thoughtful and worthy of her trust.

6. Listen and ask related questions based on her concerns. She will get the message that you are capable of responding to her needs; another essential step in winning her trust.

7. Hear her frustration and disappointment without minimizing her feelings by giving an immediate response or explanation, she will come to appreciate the value of your relationship and input.

8. A quick response trivializes her concerns and sends the completely wrong message. Your patience will be rewarded by her desire to listen to what you or your company can contribute to her bottom line.

9. Men who are able to hear complaints and problems patiently send a subliminal message of confidence. She trusts that she is dealing with a “can-do” person.

10. Listening sympathetically sends the message that you are someone who can be counted upon at a moment of need. You in turn will get her support and recommendation to others.

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