Paul Tillich said "The first duty of love is to listen". I wonder if the same could be said for leadership. When you lead someone you only know where to begin if you know where those you lead are at. I've realised through many painful and embarrassing moments that what I can think is the best course of action, can often be totally wrong, because I'm not aware of the full picture, because I have not taken the time to listen.
It is said that Bill Clinton would listen through the bottom of a can of Coke! What does that mean? Simply that regardless of what he did when in the presence of another, they always felt that he was listening to them, even went sipping some coke. I want to be that kind of leader who listens to those they lead in such a way that my leadership is appropriately tweaked so as not only to meet them where they are at, but to lead them effectively to the destination they will benefit from.
I think I could be so bold as to guarauntee that if someone you lead feels you truly listen to them, then your credibility will increase!
THE CALL TO ACTION: Today, I think I can safely say that you will be in a number of conversations. In each of them focus on listening, rather than talking. Ask questions and concentrate. After the conversation has finished recall what the main points of interest were in the conversation. If you do this on a regular basis you'll see how quickly your listening skills are fine tuned!
Note of caution, it's easy to listen and hear what you want to hear rather than what is actually being said. Challenge yourself to understand where the other person is coming from and what they are saying!
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