Steve Marr.org

CNBC recently ran a piece about how workers are becoming increasingly stressed in the workplace.  You can read the story here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100624671.

Today’s workers are stressed from multiple demands. I experience this stress from many clients who feel pressured.  This is why we need to learn to rely upon the Lord every day. We need to ask for guidance about what tasks to undertake, how to plan our week, how to serve customers, and how to meet our employers’ needs.

Listening and responding to questions is a critical skill that all business people must develop.  I find that it is a skill that a lot of business people struggle with. This affects relationships with customers, staff and others.

A study demonstrated that people tend to spend 50% of their listening time trying to think about how to respond.  King Solomon wrote, “He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame.” (Proverbs 18:13, NIV)

Better to listen carefully, repeat the question, and specifically answer the question.  End by asking, “Does this answer your question?” If it doesn’t, ask for the person to restate their question and try again.

Customers have listed failure to answer their questions as the number one turn-off about salespeople. Employees also state that their major gripe with managers is not receiving answers to their questions.

Develop and practice listening to the questions your employees ask.  Then, make sure you give an answer.  Develop this skill and your work will improve.

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            Ten thousand people turn sixty-five every day.  With shrinking retirement funds and medical advancements that prolong life-span, many of these seniors will find themselves back in the work force in what many are dubbing an “encore” job.  It is a second chance to invest their skills and energy.  It may even take them a different direction to pursue a long-held interest or side-lined dream.

            Marci Alboher wrote The Encore Career Handbook.  It is a guide for transitioning to a second career.  Many people make this transition as a choice to find more meaningful work.  Others are forced to change careers by circumstances.

            Bob Buford also addressed this subject in his excellent book, Halftime. His research revealed that nine million people have made transitions along with the ten thousand people who turn sixty and may want to transition into new work.

Scripture teaches “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15, NIV) However, sometimes it is difficult to understand the difference between wise and foolish counsel. It is important to understand which opinions aren’t worth listening to. My process for differentiating between what is helpful and what is not may help you in similar situations.

Each day, new pressures, tasks, and work will flood our offices and business. Scripture reminds us, "Teach us to number our days right, that we may gain the heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12, NIV).

We will tend to react to the urgent demands and ignore the more important tasks at hand.