AnkitaPokharel
In a quiet corner of our home, I overheard my daughter’s conversation with her primary student during a tutoring session. The student’s lament about her teacher not listening and always pointing out mistakes struck a chord with me, reminding me of a similar experience my friend had at her workplace. Her urge to support her organization and be outspoken was faced with numerous challenges, and she felt deeply frustrated and disheartened, leading to a decline in her morale and motivation.
Reflecting on these encounters, I saw parallels between the struggles of the students and those of employees who feel undervalued in their workplaces. Just as a teacher’s failure to listen can alienate a student, a manager’s inability to understand their team members’ perspectives can lead to demotivation and decreased productivity.
Furthermore, this situation highlighted the difficulty some educators face in accommodating different learning styles, like kinesthetic learners, who thrive on hands-on activities. Similarly, leaders may struggle to engage such learners in the workplace, hindering their professional growth and contribution to the team.
As the debate continues on whether organizations should provide aid to such workers, it’s essential to recognize that many of them are eager to contribute positively. By providing aid and support, organizations can leverage the enthusiasm and dedication of their employees, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual growth.
Educators and leaders must understand diverse learning styles and communication preferences. This can be achieved by fostering active listening and empathy, creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. The challenge lies in discerning between genuine workers and those who merely feign productivity.
Moreover, it’s important to differentiate between criticizing the performer and addressing performance. Personal criticism can lead to frustration and hinder improvement. Instead, the feedback should target specific actions and behaviors to guide improvement without undermining self-esteem.
By bridging the gap between hearing and listening, a culture of mutual respect and collaboration can be nurtured. Just as the student yearned for a teacher (who probably had forgotten to locate the most important organ- her ears) would listen and understand, employees seek leaders who support their unique strengths.
Likewise, witnessing the toll my friend paid, and enduring the emotional anguish of feeling misunderstood and undervalued in her workplace, amplifies the urgency of such an approach to narrow the distance between mere hearing and authentic listening. Embracing it not only enhances communication and productivity but also creates nurturing environments where every individual can truly thrive and find solace.
