When an employee approaches you with a need to communicate at whatever level, set aside your work for the moment, and give the speaker your undivided attention. The way you listen to your employees has a major impact on their morale and work performance.

Do not interrupt the talker at mid sentence; it's a sign you're not listening. Allow some pause before jumping in. Smile and lean forward. It's a sign that you are fully engaged in listening. Ask many questions, if if you understand exactly the topic being discussed. Questions tell the person that you are listening. Paraphrasing indicates that you are listening and trying to fully understand the topic. Questioning also aids retention of the conversation. It has been said that 50% of the conversation is retained immediately afterwards. Two weeks later the figure drops to 25%.

Motivation - Most employees have a genuine interest in the well being of the company. Mainly, the motivators are advancement opportunities, better work, and pride in the company. It has been found that pay, benefits, and working conditions take a back seat. Listening to your employees motivates them. [Other important motivators are rewards on performance, accessibility to the boss, and knowing what is over the horizon.]

Employees want to know that they are contributing to company success and their suggestions can make a difference. When they sense that they are ignored or put down, they can develop a resentment, which impacts their care for the good of the company. Explain that you are grateful for their effort and interested in their ideas, but you may not adopt them without further study.

You will be amazed at the quality of ideas and increase in productivity when you give your employees respect and recognition for their dedication and willingness to contribute.

Not just face to face - Communications can take many forms, such as larger meetings, phone calls, memos, teleconferences, or video calls, and personal letters. Acknowledging these communications assures the employee that you have listened, you consider new ideas valuable, and you will give attention to questions in the future. Providing new communications tools empowers employees to be more productive and provide excellent service to customers. Listening to employees is a form of feedback, and the manager needs to learn the response to his actions. Feedback from sales will provide insight into what the customer is saying and what they need.

Working closely with employees, sharing information about the company's goals and listening to feedback and suggestions will help you to develop a cohesive team that is committed to achieving company goals. Listening and sharing goes a long way in assuring success in the organization.