14 September 2023
In an increasingly fast-paced world where challenges and stressors are part and parcel of everyday life, taking a moment to connect and ask a simple question can have a profound impact on someone's mental well-being. R U OK? Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of September in Australia, serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of reaching out to our friends, family, and colleagues to check in on their emotional state.
To acknowledge the essence of R U OK? Day, our team at DB Results are organising series of activities and discussions to promote open conversations about mental health and support for each other.
We’ve also asked our team members on the importance of active listening and what it means to them individually.
“One of the most significant barriers to effective listening is the eagerness to respond. In today’s era, our patience is often limited, and we constantly contemplate our response while someone else is speaking. We all possess a strong desire to be heard, yet many of us struggle with active listening. While culture may play a minor role, the fundamental aspects of listening are generally consistent across societies. While some individuals might excel as better listeners than others, the core principles of listening remain constant.” – Nikhil Khunnathully, our Manager, Revenue Operations, commented, whilst being asked about the common barriers to effective listening, including cultural differences.
John Mallon, our Business Development Manager, added, “We are all blessed with 2 ears and 1 mouth, so spend more time listening rather than talking, to a ratio of 2:1. Also leave your ego behind, it does not help by interjecting your ‘similar’ like experiences to try and establish a bridge – their experience is unique and requires that acknowledgement”
Hao Teo, our Lead Consultant, further emphasised the importance of cultural differences, drawing from personal experiences, “Barriers and solutions encompass several aspects. Firstly, the challenge of a distracted mind can be mitigated through mindful meditation, enabling individuals to attain present-moment awareness. Secondly, countering preconceived notions necessitates a receptive approach, avoiding hasty conclusions and instead embracing a stance akin to an open sponge. Thirdly, patience is cultivated by understanding that some individuals might require more time to articulate thoughts. Moreover, cultural disparities, often operating on a subconscious level, can impact communication. In such cases, addressing these nuances through private conversations, elucidating social norms, and gently reminding counterparts of potential perceptions becomes vital.”
At DB Results, investing in our people is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to creating a workplace that promotes diversity, inclusivity, employee health and well-being, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities. We have achieved B Corp certification demonstrating our commitment to making a positive social and environmental impact.
To find out more about how you can grow with us, please click here.
