On 12/12/12, I outlined a process for a Leadership 12 Days of Christmas process, where each day I would give you a small task that, when completed, would bring gifts to both you and your team. While I don’t know the value of 11 pipers piping, I believe the value of the gift you will be giving after you do today’s task will be greater than that!
Let’s get to it . . .
Find a quiet time and ask yourself these questions . . .
How often do I really stop and listen to my team?
What might change in our communication, productivity, and relationships if I talked less and listened more?
And then, after you have asked yourself these questions, pick one situation in your day today or tomorrow where you will consciously stop talking and start listening.
Once you see the results, you will want to do it again, and again. The gift will come immediately and will grow in value as you continue to stop talking and start listening more.
…..
I picked the picture I did for two reasons – I’ve never seen an 11 mph speed limit, so it made me stop and think. That is what I want this exercise today (and all twelve of them in this series) to do for you. I want you to stop . . . think . . . and look at your role and behaviors as a leader differently.
I also picked the speed limit sign because to do the task I have suggested today requires that you slow down. For most of us most of the time, the expedient thing to do is to talk – to tell people our opinion and what we need. Speed limit signs give us a recommended speed, but for most of us, in reality, they warn us to slow down.
Today’s task isn’t a warning, but a suggestion – a suggestion that will be a gift that gives to you and your team members for a very long time to come.
photo credit: Wetsun via photopin cc
Love the suggestion on this site-and the picture too!