LISTEN and LEARN from Others

Have you ever been in a situation where someone in authority starts talking in your workplace, and you think to yourself—“This person has no clue!”—because his/her words bear no resemblance to reality?

Well you’re not alone.  All too often we forget one of the basics of leadership:  LISTENING.  Of all the leadership attributes important for success, listening may be the most important.  You can have many leadership skills, but if you don’t listen to people, it’s all for naught.

The leader who listens knows what is happening around him or her because listening opens doors to genuine communication.  It demonstrates respect and caring for others.

But listening only gets you part of the way to better leadership. You must also LEARN from it and use that learning to guide your actions.  It’s only through learning that we are able to change, grow, and prepare for the future.

Listening and learning help make leaders credible because they compel the leader to put people first, and that’s when things can really start to happen.

Here are a few techniques to help you become a better listener…and learner:

1)       Know the difference between hearing and listening.

2)      Adopt the 2/1 Rule:  Listen twice as much as you talk.

3)      Play the concentration game—Focus on what the speaker is saying and don’t jump to conclusions.

4)      Listen to what people are NOT saying.

5)      Welcome ideas that are not your own.