Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

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It’s frustrating to work with someone who doesn’t listen. Whether your colleague interrupts you, rambles on, or seems distracted, the impact is the same: You feel ignored, and the chances of misunderstandings increase. But you can encourage your colleague to listen better by emphasizing the importance of your message up front.

o Before starting a conversation, say: “I have to talk to you about something important, and I need your help.” This sends a signal to your colleague that they need to pay attention.

o As frustrating as it may be, you may also need to make your point multiple times, in multiple ways. Be transparent about what you’re doing. You might say: “I want to repeat this, because I want to make sure it’s understood.”

o Then follow up with: “Does that make sense?”

That way you can know your message has been heard.

Adapted from “How to Work with a Bad Listener,” by Rebecca Knight

To check out that HBR article and join the discussion, please click here.

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