There's an art to being a good listener. Few people have it. Many organisations profess to listen to their customers. By looking at the biggest one of all - government - it is often lip-service not lobe-service that you get.
I was sent a document today 'How to Be a Good Listener' from Limehouse Software. It's primarily about Managing Public Sector Consultation Exercises but holds good advice for any collaboration project.
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Profile - Research your audience and ensure you are consulting with the right people from the start.
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Inform - Let them know about the consultation and ensure you maintain ongoing communication.
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Perform - Execute your consultation using multiple channels.
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Respond - Acknowledge the contribution of the people who have contributed.
- Analyse - Evaluate in detail your results.
