Listening should dominate your interaction with your employees, distractions need to be removed and trust must be developed.

You must have a sincere desire to understand. You must be aware of individual needs. Be attentive and don't assume anything. Ask for explanations. Don't interrupt because you want to talk. Try to keep an open mind. Be compassionate and don't react too quickly.

Avoid talking about yourself. These are the basic rules of communication. Remember: You and the person you are communicating with are trying to create a shared meaning.
 
Meaning is not in the words or symbols you speak. Meaning is in your head. The symbols represent your thoughts. Your goal is to get your meaning that's in your head into their head, and hopefully, you will create that shared meaning. If you are not being understood, then you are probably not using very good symbols/words to represent your thoughts. Try again until he/she understands your meaning.

Communication is shared a responsibility. In order to have effective communication, both parties must have the desire to communicate. If your employee has a problem, has a concern, or has a question, you need to give them the respect; listen and make eye contact. Ask questions.

Avoid distractions. Ask them if you are interpreting their concern accurately. Don't make a decision right then. Take notes and analyze the situation at a later time. Suspend judgment. Both you and your employee need to help each other communicate effectively. Make sure they understand you and you understand them.
 
Leading is not a "Cake Walk" in Tough Economic Times
 
Determine who the real players are. You need to understand what you can really ask of employees during these times. Be careful of misplaced or misdirected loyalty. Be careful of false loyalty. There are limits. You need maximum loyalty from your employees during tough economic times. Make sure you know whom you can trust. Besides loyalty an equally important is the need for a high commitment to the job. Your team must have a willingness to hang tough. Commitment demonstrated by the leader can lead to commitment by the employee.

Commitment is self-nourishing and it gives meaning to work. Employees will look to you first to measure your level of commitment. They want to take your pulse. They want to believe in you. They need a leader they can follow. It's imperative that you show no signs of weakness and you don't let them down. This goes for the entire executive staff.
 
Employee commitment will soar if you and your executive staff demonstrate a passion for success. Excitement breeds excitement. Success breeds success, the more consuming your desire to fix things, the more you demonstrate leadership and draw support from your employees. You, as President and your executive staff set the stage.

If your company fails, chances are you did not set the proper environment for success. Your primary objective is to; Create an attitude, Structure an environment and Develop your team. Your intensity, your focus, your drive and your dedication along with these same attributes from your executive staff are the determinants of the level of commitment you get from your employees.

Commitment won't survive if leadership doesn't exist. You must be proactive and publicly demonstrate leadership, confidence and commitment.

Rick Johnson, expert speaker, wholesale distribution's "Leadership Strategist", founder of CEO Strategist, LLC a firm that helps clients create and maintain competitive advantage. Need a speaker for your next event, E-mail rick@ceostrategist.com. Don't forget to check out the Lead Wolf Series that can help you put more profit into your business.

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