LTL 042: Leaders Listen

I know. Seriously, did you really need to do a podcast on listening? Recent experiences indicate that some of the people I interact with (including myself!) could use a refresher.  A senior leader in our organization recently reminded me of how critical it is to really stop and listen to what someone is telling you. Great leaders listen well.

So what are some ways to demonstrate that we are listening? There are six tips that I’m going to share with you today. They work at work, with your spouse, and with your children. I think you will be hard pressed to find a situation where these tips aren’t applicable.

Six Tips To Improve Listening:

• Face the person who is talking and look in their eyes
• Keep your attention focused on the one speaking
• Don’t complete sentences for the one talking or be thinking about what you are going to say
• Keep an open mind (don’t presuppose)
• Let the one speaking finish before you comment
• Ask questions and paraphrase what you think you have heard for clarification

BONUS

These tips probably should have come first, but I think they are important enough to include here:

• Be genuine with others
• Be clear when your time is limited

I’m going to find a way to make time, even if it’s only a few minutes a week, for the important people in my life. I will make time for them to have my undivided attention. If you practice just one of these tips, I promise you people will note an improvement in your listening skills.

Great Quotes From This Episode

“You’re short on ears and long on mouth.” – John Wayne

“It takes a great man to be a good listener.” – Calvin Coolidge

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”– Stephen R. Covey

“The word listen contains the same letters as the word silent.” – Alfred Brendel

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dianne Schilling’s article in Forbes magazine Tips to Effective Listening

Thanks for Listening!

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Now, go lead like someone you would want to follow!