Listening is something we do every day. We know it is important, yet we take it for granted. That’s why I was pleased that it emerged in our Remarkable Leadership Skills Bracket as one of the two most important leadership skills (from an initial field of 16 skills!).
Here's why so many voted for listening (in three successive rounds) as a critical leadership skill.
What Listening Gives Us
When leaders really listen to those they lead and the others they interact with, lots of good things can happen. Here are just five of the most important outcomes.
- Communication is more effective. Certainly, listening is a communication skill. When people talk to us and we listen to them, we will more clearly understand their messages. This is obviously important for everyone, especially leaders.
- Conflict can be avoided or more easily resolved. As leaders, we are often involved in reducing or eliminating unhelpful conflict. Effective listening is one of the best tools for avoiding or overcoming conflict.
- Influence grows. We are far more influential when people know we understand them and their needs. When we listen well, we build credibility and influence – which is critical to leading successfully.
- Trust grows. One of the easiest ways to build trust with others is to really listen to them. Listening well requires putting the other person first and showing that we care about them and their message. With greater trust, people will be more comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns too.
- Engagement improves. People want to be engaged in their work – and as leaders, we are a big part of that. People want a leader they know, like, and trust. We build all three of those things when we really listen.
You know someone who is a great listener. Look at them and their results. Chances are, you will realize they get all these benefits.
The Best News
The list above likely isn’t surprising to you. The good news is you already know that if you have more of those outcomes, you will be a better leader.
The best news is that you also know how to be a better listener. You know what you need to do. You have, at important moments in your life, been a great listener. More often than not, it isn’t a skill problem. You have the skill.
Being a better listener is a prioritization and habit choice you need to make. If you want more of the outcomes above, you can start today. Challenge yourself to be a great listener in one interaction.
Then another.
Then another.
Start by picking a situation or a person where you know listening well would benefit everyone. Then make that your goal to talk less, ask more, and listen longer.
If you want to be a better leader today, listening better is a great place to start.
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