Listen & Feedback
To create honesty, openness and a more devoted team of stakeholders, be sure to provide feedback mechanisms—and listen carefully.
How to Listen
All of us believe we know how to listen. After all, listening is a behavior we do every day in nearly every hour we’re awake. At the same time, we all regularly experience the problem of talking to people who don’t listen well. Hearing is a physical act, listening is the act of hearing with comprehension.
As presenters we must be good listeners, and, we also need to help our event participants be good listeners as well.
Smartphone Apps and Webcasting Tools
One of the most exciting listening tools for events is the smartphone app as they offer polling and digital Q&A capabilities. This allows the audience to share their thoughts and concerns in real time and makes them feel actively involved in the event.
Collaboration Through Groupware
Collaboration software for high-performance virtual events can replace the traditional flip-chart. These online tools can elevate participant engagement to a new level during brainstorming sessions. Participant ideas are captured, by topic, as they are entered into the cloud. Once the brainstorming is complete, the group can review and discuss all of the ideas and prioritize action plans.
Breakout Leader Skills to Maximize Results
- Stimulate group discussion
- Be open to listening and changing your mind
- Consider the suggestions and opinions of everyone
- Suggestion systems work — use them
- Too much resistance to a new system or change probably means there is something wrong with it as employees usually act in the organization’s best interest
- Document and prioritize all ideas
- Strive to demystify problems that seem insurmountable—others have probably found solutions to similar challenges in the past
- Become known for listening, building ideas and not for finding fault
Summary: The Face Value of Listening & Feedback is that it builds an environment of trust and receptivity so everyone feels free to speak and becomes a motivated, involved stakeholder.
