“What is the listening I’m speaking into?”
Ever pondered this profound question which serves as a gateway to meaningful communication?
It is not just about the words you say, but how they are received, understood, absorbed and reciprocated.
This forms the bedrock of the RASA concept, an invaluable tool for enhancing communication. It is a roadmap to understanding and being understood, in essence, a guide to the art of communication.
Four critical aspects of communication:
Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask
Roadmap to understanding and being understood.
Let’s explore RASA…..
Receive
This is the active process of fully engaging with the speaker's message, giving it your undivided attention. It is not merely hearing the words but comprehending the intent behind them.
Appreciate
This is not about expressing gratitude, but rather about showing engagement.
It is about using non-verbal cues like nodding your head, maintaining eye contact, or leaning in to show that you are invested in the conversation. It is a way of saying, "I'm here, I'm present, and what you're saying matters."
Summarize
This is where we reflect back the speaker's message in our own words. It helps to ensure mutual understanding and agreement. It is a way of saying, "This is what I've understood from what you've said.”
Ask
This is where we dive deeper into the conversation, asking clarifying questions like 'who?', 'what?', 'why?', 'how?', 'when?'. It is about seeking additional information and encouraging the speaker to elaborate.
Navigating the RASA concept becomes particularly crucial when a manager endeavors to communicate effectively with their team.
In the dynamic landscape of a workplace, where collaboration and understanding are paramount, the application of these RASA principles can foster a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
Receive: For a manager, receive involves more than just hearing the words of their team members. It entails actively engaging with their messages, providing undivided attention during meetings, one-on-ones, or team discussions. By tuning in to the concerns, ideas, and feedback of the team, a manager sets the stage for a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Appreciate: requires the manager to demonstrate genuine engagement with their team. Non-verbal cues such as nodding, maintaining eye contact, and displaying open body language convey a sense of presence and acknowledgment. This fosters a connection, assuring the team that their contributions are valued and essential.
Summarize: is a powerful tool for a manager when distilling the information shared by the team. By reflecting back the key points and insights, a manager ensures that everyone is on the same page. This practice not only reinforces understanding but also communicates to the team that their thoughts are being considered and integrated into the broader context.
Ask: Asking insightful questions is vital for a manager seeking to understand their team better. By posing questions like 'What challenges are you facing?' or 'How can I support you?' a manager demonstrates a commitment to the well-being and success of the team. 'Ask' is an invitation to dialogue, encouraging team members to share their perspectives and collaborate on finding solutions.
Encourage collaborative workspaces
To establish and encourage collaborative workspaces, managers should encourage clarity and transparency.
Avoid using ambiguous language which can lead to misunderstandings and confusion among team members, hindering productivity and fostering an environment of uncertainty.
To cultivate a cohesive and informed team, managers should articulate not only explicit instructions but also provide the broader context and rationale behind decisions.
This approach will empower team members with a deeper understanding of the organization's goals and the reasoning behind specific directives, fostering a sense of purpose and alignment.
Clear communication builds trust, enhances collaboration, and enables team members to make informed decisions that contribute meaningfully to the overall success of the team and the organization.
In addition to the RASA principles, the manager's choice of words is equally significant.
If we want to be heard, clear and purposeful communication is key.
For instance, let’s consider the word 'just'.
It might seem innocuous, but when used inappropriately, it can diminish the importance of our message.
Saying, ”He’s just the clerk who performs various roles for the team” might suggest the role of a clerk is not important.
Instead saying, “He’s the clerk who performs various roles for the team”, gives the role more credibility and it’s the difference of one 4 letter word.
"I'm just following up" can sound like an apology, as if we are minimizing our actions.
Instead, saying, "I'm following up" communicates confidence and purpose.
Coming back to our initial question “What is the listening I’m speaking into?”
We mustn’t forget that silence in communication holds its own significance.
Allowing moments of silence during discussions gives team members the space to process information, formulate thoughtful responses, and contribute meaningfully to the conversation.
In the realm of managerial communication, the integration of the RASA concept goes beyond being a skill; it becomes a leadership philosophy.
It establishes a culture where team members feel heard, valued, and motivated, ultimately contributing to a more productive and cohesive work environment.
So, for managers, the next time you communicate with your team, remember to Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask, and choose your words with care, always mindful of the listening environment you are creating.
If you enjoyed this blog post, please let me know in the comments below. Better yet, leave your own story of how you encourage listening in the workplace.
Join me, and let's embark on this journey together.
