We are more connected than ever, but the reality is we rarely speak to one another.

With the variety of channels now at our disposal, it’s easy to lose track of what we have said to who, when and on what platform; if it’s not email, it’s text, messenger, or even WhatsApp. You’ve then got the business profiles, the personal profiles, the friend’s group, the school group, the list goes on.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 has accelerated our reliance on our technology, our screen time is at an all-time high, and we find ourselves working in a virtual world, a world that is irritatingly convenient. However, the very channels established to connect us, are now at the root of our disconnect.

When was the last time you picked up the phone and spoke to a member of your team? When was the last time you had a face-to-face meeting? Or when was the last time you asked someone how they are feeling?

Do you find yourself spending all day on the phone, but not actually talking?

Unfortunately, we have slipped into a sphere where our conversations are no longer about getting to know someone and establishing a bond, but rather a series of short comments, or a WhatsApp feed that have the purpose of asserting an instruction or establishing an agreement.

Let’s not lose the art of conversation.

A Conversation has the power to connect, excite, stimulate and strengthen our minds.

A conversation is above all else an opportunity for us as leaders to create a strong team, a team empowered to share ideas and a team comfortable in the knowledge that you care what they think.

Digital communication by nature is distractive, you’re writing an email, and your phone beeps. You’re sending a text, and a reminder flashes on your phone. It’s impossible to be fully engaged in a remote conversation. We need to create a space to talk and equally to listen.

The sad reality is we are becoming emotionally absent from our own conversations, and it is only through making a conscious effort to actively listen that we can build stronger relationships and understand better the perspective of others.

Too often we make the mistake of thinking everyone thinks as we do, we don’t take the time to hear others’ ideas, and as leaders, it is important that our teams feel trusted and empowered to bring ideas to the table.

By taking the time to engage in meaningful conversations, not only can we improve an employee’s wellbeing, but we can also gain knowledge and perspectives that can help us to become better leaders.
So today set some time aside, step away from the screen and have a good old-fashioned natter.

“When you talk, you are repeating what you already know. But if you listen you may learn something new.”

– Dalai Lama

Pro-Noctis deliver a suite of highly effective, accredited courses and coaching programmes to help you and your team improve your communication skills and develop leadership. Learn more on our courses page.