104 - Keep Them Talking

03/07/24 • 19 min

Cindy Esliger talks about the pivotal role asking open-ended questions and keenly listening to the answers plays, not just in effective communication, but in navigating office politics. Why should we learn to listen better and why would we want to keep colleagues talking? As Cindy points out, learning more about people’s views and motives leads to understanding what drives them and being able to connect.

Cultivating active listening skills is how we elevate our communication strategies. Active listening is not just hearing the words being said but involves a genuine effort to understand the speaker’s perspective and message. Coupled with reflective listening, summarizing what was said to ensure you understand, this is a powerful tool for improving office politics. Cindy explains all the nuances of engagement, including focus and body language, that improve our listening.

There is so much more to listening than simply not talking. Cindy lays out all the tools at our disposal, all the ways in which we can school ourselves to listen openly, ask open questions, reflect the speaker’s words to ensure understanding, and move the listening into a collaborative conversation. She narrows in on how to teach ourselves to modulate our voice and tone while also interpreting the tone others use and picking up subtle communication cues that allow deeper insight into a colleague’s stance. These are the ways in which we make progress through office dynamics and form valuable connections to aid in our growth.

Resources discussed in this episode:

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Contact Cindy Esliger

Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email

Resources discussed in this episode:

—

Contact Cindy Esliger

Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email

Previous Episode

103 - Consider the Source

In this episode, Cindy Esliger talks about the pivotal role feedback plays in professional growth. However, while constructive feedback is important, it’s equally important to learn how to navigate the critiques and understand who is offering the feedback. Not everyone will have our best interests at heart, so how can we learn to be more self-reliant and critical in assessing feedback?

The mutual exchange of constructive feedback is key to innovation and collaboration in the workplace. It lays the groundwork for growth and success. The challenge lies in distinguishing between well-intentioned feedback and feedback that has ulterior motives behind it. Cindy discusses the importance of trusting our instincts and learning not to constantly need external validation to make our decisions.

When we receive unwarranted negative criticism, it’s key not to internalize that negativity. Cindy shares five tips for navigating harmful criticism: 1. Pause and reflect, 2. Seek clarification, 3. Focus on the constructive elements, 4. Engage trusted advisors, and 5. Learn to disregard. She elaborates on how to put these tips into action and discusses how to develop a strong positive self-image, one that bolsters confidence. Learn how to seek and respond to the right feedback with Cindy.

Resources discussed in this episode:

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Contact Cindy Esliger

Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email

Next Episode

105 - Fight Fair

Cindy Esliger discusses office politics and the necessity of engaging in them with integrity. While the term often carries a negative connotation, office politics can positively impact your career and recognizing the dynamics of office politics is crucial for anyone with ambition. It is possible to be strategic and ethical and Cindy shares exactly how to do this within your organization.

Right away Cindy lists four benefits of engaging in office politics with integrity: 1. Builds trust and credibility, 2. Enhances political reputation, 3. Strengthens interpersonal relationships, and 4. Mitigates risks and challenges. Maintaining ethical standards allows us to form positive connections without getting entangled in behaviors that lead to damaged reputations or unpleasant consequences.

Cindy details the behaviors we want to avoid engaging in as they are likely to contribute to a toxic workplace. Genuine relationships are always preferable and those are founded by seeking common ground and showing sincere interest in colleagues. When conflicts do arise, however, Cindy has advice for how to handle them: 1. Actively listen, 2. Choose the right place and time, 3. Focus on the issue, not the person, and 4. Involve others in finding a solution. Cindy’s experience shows how to have a proactive approach to prevent misunderstandings and forge a supportive network. Following her advice will aid in becoming more politically savvy.

Resources discussed in this episode:

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Contact Cindy Esliger

Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email