Sat, June 26, 2010 - 9:29:44

Are You a Workplace “Vuvuzela?”

Up until a few weeks ago, chances are “vuvuzela” wasn’t a part of your vernacular. But, with the oddly-named plastic horn making headlines after drawing complaints from World Cup athletes—not to mention viewers worldwide—chances are you’ve quickly become familiar with it. 

There’s no denying it: unless you’re the one making all the noise, the vuvuzela has little to offer. It’s loud, it’s relentless, and it’s downright annoying. So much so, in fact, that many have called on FIFA to ban the item from games altogether. And it got us thinking about one of our favorite bits of NICE advice: “shut up and listen.” So maybe it’s time you asked yourself: “Am I a workplace vuvuzela?”

The truth is most people like to talk; it feels good to be in the spotlight, get recognition, and feel noticed. Conversation—whether lighthearted small talk or serious dialog—can be a valuable tool in building relationships and fostering collaboration, but, when you become a human vuvuzela, droning on and on without letting others get a word in edgewise, you miss out on one of the most valuable aspects of communication: listening.

As Larry King once said, “I never learn a thing while I’m talking,” and if you’re a “vuvuzela” there’s a good reason why: you can’t hear a thing. It’s only when you stop making noise and give someone else their chance to “be smarter” that you can really learn.  Since you already know what you know, there’s absolutely nothing to lose when you listen, but if you never resist the urge to add your two cents, you could be missing out on something big.

There’s a reason why the vuvuzela isn’t included in orchestras around the world. It drowns everyone else out and it only plays one note. But, if you respect the dynamics of a conversation, add in your notes when called for, then rest and listen while others carry the tune, you can contribute to something greater—and in the process make beautiful music instead of a whole lot of racket.

Posted by Linda and Robin