I am amazed how slow I am to learn to listen, and I’ve been at the process for a few years now, and my family would say I still have a long way to go. Leaders often have this challenge; they’ve gotten to where they are because they think fast, can draw conclusions quickly and act on what they’ve concluded. To focus on the speaker, then hear what they are saying, then process their thoughts without judgement or interruption are both difficult and essential. Good listening is built on empathy, which I talk about in another post.
Additional Resources
- 10 Steps to Effective Listening – Forbes
- Use Active Listening to Coach Others – Center For Creative Leadership
- Become a Better Listener Active Listening – Psych Central