Listening is one of the most fundamental leadership skills—and yet, it's often one of the most overlooked. In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere, and the art of truly listening has become rare. But what if you could supercharge your listening skills? What if you could make listening so impactful that it transforms your relationships and your leadership? Let’s talk about how to put your listening on steroids.
What Does It Mean to Put Listening on Steroids?
"Listening on steroids" isn’t about hearing every word someone says—it’s about being fully present. Think about the last time someone gave you their undivided attention. No phones, no glances at their watch, no distractions. It was just you and them, fully engaged in the conversation.
How did it make you feel? Seen? Valued? Heard?
That’s the power of being fully present. It’s more than just listening—it’s about investing your time and attention in another person. And when done effectively, it’s transformative for both parties.
The Key to Supercharged Listening
Being fully present means eliminating distractions and focusing entirely on the person in front of you. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Here’s how you can practice:
- Eliminate Physical Distractions: Put your phone away. Close your laptop. Turn off notifications.
- Focus Your Attention: Resist the urge to glance around or multitask. The person in front of you should feel like the only thing that matters in that moment.
- Engage Authentically: Show interest in what the other person is saying. Nod, maintain eye contact, and respond thoughtfully.
When you are fully present, you create a space for open, meaningful communication. You’re not just hearing words—you’re understanding feelings, perspectives, and needs.
Why It Matters
Being fully present is challenging, especially in a world full of distractions. But the effort is worth it. Why?
- It Builds Trust: When someone feels that they have your full attention, they trust you more. It signals that you value their input and care about what they’re saying.
- It Strengthens Relationships: Whether at work or at home, being fully present deepens connections. People remember the way you made them feel, and feeling heard is a rare gift.
- It Enhances Your Leadership: As a leader, being fully present sets the tone for your team. It shows respect, encourages open communication, and fosters a culture of collaboration.
The Hard Truth About Being Fully Present
Here’s the reality: being fully present is hard. It’s tempting to check your phone or let your mind wander to the next meeting. But the things that are hard often have the greatest rewards.
Listening at its highest level is being fully present with another person. It’s like listening on steroids.
The next time you’re in a conversation, try putting your listening on steroids. Commit to being fully present—no distractions, just focus. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Let’s make listening an art again. Because the gift of your attention is one of the most valuable things you can give.
What’s one thing you’ll do today to improve your listening? Let us know in the comments!
0 comments