I’m listening…

Are you really listening? It’s a skill, one that takes discipline, focus and consistency. I can tell you this much – if you consistently avoid listening to your people and do not allow them a voice in matters that affect them, eventually you will be surrounded by people with nothing to say. Good people will leave and you will be surrounded by mediocre talent, wondering what happened. You don’t want to be in a leadership role in that position and you don’t want people under your leadership that feel helpless, unappreciated and voiceless. You have to surround yourself and listen to the right people. You have to build systems and processes to solicit input from people at all levels. Good leaders are attracted to where their voice is heard! If you want good leaders, you have to make that a part of your organization culture.

So how can we listen well? How can we allow those in our sphere of influence to feel they are valued and heard?

Listen for strengths: Everyone has an idea of what they are good at and where they need improvement. It takes a good leader to recognize where they are weak and where they could use help. It takes an even better leader to allow someone to actually help them. Putting people in position to be successful usually means allowing them to pursue areas where they are naturally strong. Check your ego at the door and allow people to operate in their strengths, even if it happens to be a weakness of yours.

Listen for pitfalls: Every organization has systemic issues, to ignore them is woefully ignorant. As a leader, you are often far enough away from the day-to-day activities that you can’t see those issues clearly. Those under your influence likely have a better feel for what is actually happening in the areas that really matter. In addition to listening for pitfalls, you have to be willing to do what you can to help the team avoid them, or make changes that will help those that are suffering from the issues.

Listen for innovation: Not only will those around you likely be closer and more aware of issues, they will likely have some very innovative solutions to resolve them. Nothing speaks arrogance more than a leader who thinks all good ideas have to originate from them. A good leader understand they do not always have to be the smartest person in the room. A good leader is open to not only hearing good ideas from others, but acting on them and ensuring the right people get the credit in the process!

Listening will provide insight and knowledge as to the potential of your people. Once you are aware of the information, it is your job as a leader to use that knowledge wisely. Now that I’ve shared some of the people you need to listen to and why, my next entry will provide some practical ways to enhance your actual listening skills.