Listen and Learn from Others
Have you ever been in a situation where someone in authority starts talking about the workplace, and you think “This person has no clue!” because his words bear no resemblance to reality? Well, you’re not alone.
All too often we forget one of the basics of leadership: Listening.
Of all the leadership attributes, listening may be the most important. You can have all the other leadership skills, but if you don’t listen to people, it’s all for naught.The leader who listens knows what’s going on around him or her because listening opens the doors to genuine communication.
It demonstrates respect and caring for others. But listening only gets you part way to better leadership.
You must also learn from it and use that learning to guide your actions. It’s only through learning that we are able to change, grow, and prepare for the future. Listening and learning help make a leader credible because they compel the leader to put people first. And that’s when really good things can happen. Here are three tips to help you be a better listener…and a better learner:
1. Know the difference between hearing and listening. To hear means “to perceive by the ear.” To listen means “to pay attention.” There’s a big difference.
2. Get into the ACT of listening. Employ body language. Look at the person who is speaking. Make and keep eye contact. Position your body in a way that shows you are open and receptive to what the person is saying.
3. Adopt the 2/1 rule: Listen twice as much as you talk. Why do you think we have two ears and one mouth
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