difficult people

7 Ways Active Listening Can Prevent Aircraft Parts Supplier Sabotage

Lets face it. Aircraft parts suppliers can be the WORST listeners. Yes, I said it! It's not that they don't care, they're just disengaged from reality. Or maybe they don't care. Could be both. You try to communicate with them, but every time it seems like nothing progresses, or it's the same old behaviors. The below picture is probably what they're doing on the other side of the phone right now.

Prevent Aircraft Parts Supplier Sabotage By Listening

This happens all the time, but there's no need for me to tell you this, I'm sure you experience this much more than I do.

But, you continue to try to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Here's how you can fix that...

Recognizing poor listening skills

Most of us have trouble actively listening. We have so many distractions and noises that pull us from our tasks.

My colleagues will come in my office and say something, I'll say uh-huh, or yea and completely miss the entire conversation. Does this sound familiar?

I've recognized this, as I'm sure you have, and try to focus on listening better.

The problem arises when your aircraft parts' supplier stops listening to what you have to say and gets distracted. This is the WORST time to not listen.

The reason this occurs is simple. They just don't care, or maybe they do, you just can't tell.

7 tips you can teach your aircraft parts supplier to actively listen

1. They must decide they want to listen - Listening can't start without them deciding they want to be present in the conversation. There's an age-old saying that we have two ears and one month, so we can listen twice as much. They must first commit to unselfishly wanting to listen to you.

2. Give 100% - If they're truly interested in your discussion they will be present for the entire time. They should push all other tasks aside and avoid multitasking. If they don't, they're not listening.

3. Listen 75%, Speak 25% - Once your aircraft parts' supplier begins talking more than you, it's a sales pitch. They should be able to listen to your concerns and instructions and only speak 25% of the time. Why must we talk more than this?

4. Respond with interest - During the conversation they need to show verbal and non verbal cues. It can be nodding, smiling, or commenting but they must show interest. When they respond, if they speak at the same energy level as you, they're definitely interested.

5. Let the speaker finish - I know what you're thinking. This one is the most frustrating of them all. There is nothing like you presenting your concern or instructions and being interrupted every sentence. Our brains speed along four times faster than we speak, so your vendor needs to make a conscious effort to not finish your sentences or interrupt. Waiting for pauses could be a good opportunity for them to comment, but not while you're speaking.

6. Show understanding - Just because they say, "I understand," doesn't mean they actually do. Crazy, right? They need to prove to you they do. This can happen a number of ways. They can restate your idea or they can ask a probing question to get deeper into the topic. Simply repeating what you said doesn't count. They must show comprehension.

7. Be respectful - They need to show you that they take your views seriously. Changing their tone of voice, rate of speech and choice of words are all great signs that they're being empathetic.

Thats it! Thats all they have to do. By listening, your aircraft parts' supplier will be able to better understand your needs and requirements. They will also be able to communicate with you better.

There's nothing worse than talking to someone who acts like they slept through your conversation.

What are some listening issues you've come across when dealing with an aircraft parts supplier? Comment below.

3 Mistakes you Make When Dealing with Difficult People

Dealing with difficult people happens to everyone. More than likely it happens to you on a daily basis. Just search on Twitter and you'll come across many feeds that reference this topic. Click here to see a picture of one feed, referring to "rude vendors."

Dealing With Difficult People

I can openly say that I have and still make these mistakes, when letting difficult people get to me. It will always take a conscious effort on my part. As business professionals one of our main goals should be to work with people that make our life easier, but that isn't always the case.

Is it worth dealing with these people? Well, it's all based on how you want to FEEL and what the added benefits are through dealing with them. Personally, if I work with a difficult vendor I will do everything I can to not deal with them again…unless I have no other choice.

If you have to deal with difficult people focus on these 3 areas that are common mistakes and it just might make your life a little easier.

You Become Defensive

When dealing with difficult people it can be a natural instinct to defend yourself. If they attack, judge and belittle you, why wouldn't you defend yourself.

But the truth is, once you become defensive, two opposing forces will be FIGHTING  each other rather than gaining ground on what's to be accomplished.

No resolution comes from a defensive state.

If you know nothing good will come out of your mouth…take some deep breaths. This will allow you to refocus and think rationally.

Instead of becoming defensive, stay positive and take deep breaths. Yes, this may sound too simple but it works.

You Don't Listen

I'll just toss a number out but I can be certain that 90% of all disagreements are made by one, or both parties not listening to the other. We come across this more frequently than we should.

Listening is one of the best skills anyone can include in their tool kit, especially when dealing with difficult people.

By actively listening, you can understand where the other person is coming from. If it's a vendor, this may be a GREAT time to see that there may be a flaw somewhere in their business. Disagreements are excellent to learn from.

Not all difficult people are the same. By listening you can weed out the people that have legitimate concerns from the people that you won't be able to work with.

You Avoid Solutions

Sometimes, when you deal with difficult people you think of everything but a solution. You're saying to yourself  "this vendor is annoying" or "what a pain."

These may be true, but try to present a solution. By presenting a solution you are showing the other party you're trying to correct the issue they have. You are actively engaging in the resolution to the problem and most people will respect that.

When you understand the mistakes you make when dealing with people, it will only make you stronger the next time a difficult person comes along.

Conflict and difficult people can be a major contributor to your stress levels. The effects of stress makes you less efficient and can disrupt everything you have going on.

What mistakes do you make when dealing with difficult people?