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Jul 31 2013

Leadership is Communication: Did You Hear That?

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Leadership is Communication: Did You Hear That?

Probably the most important, yet most often overlooked element of communicating is listening. Leaders often expect others to listen so their message will be received and yet don’t listen very well themselves.

Be honest. How often have you allowed your mind to wonder while someone was talking to you? Sure, you nod your head occasionally and make those little sounds that indicate you’re listening, but you’re really thinking about the upcoming meeting, or problems at home, or this quarter’s dismal earnings numbers.

That person you weren’t listening to very well just told you why production was suffering in her department. She has a solution that will quickly fix the problem. Your response was that you would consider it and get back to her. Trouble is, you didn’t really hear what she was saying. You told her to hold off until you could consider her suggestion, which you have no way of doing since you didn’t really hear it in the first place.

Listening is an active part of the communication process and an essential skill for leaders. You expect your people to listen to you. You need to listen to them too.

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