I had links on a variety of topics this month but many of them were on the theme of listening. And since listening is often addressed in the programs that I design and deliver, I figured I would make it the one theme for this month.
Enjoy the read and I’ll see you again down below. In about a minute.
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Of course we listen to what the other person says. We should also pay close attention to what is not said.
We often filter as we listen – determining whether we agree or not. Listening is also being receptive to opposing views.
Ninety percent of adults in the US took out a phone during their most recent social interaction. Roughly 80% reported that doing so diminished the conversation. In other words, they weren’t really listening.
Be that as it may, the biggest distractor is not your iPhone — it’s your own mind.
Listening is not only affecting the listener. Research shows that experiencing high-quality listening can shape a speakers’ emotions and attitudes.
Research reports that managers who listen well
- Are perceived as people leaders,
- Generate more trust,
- Instill higher job satisfaction, and
- Increase their team’s creativity.
Some managers feel that listening to their employees makes them look weak. In fact, being a good listener increases their prestige.
Parting thoughts:
- We reveal our goals through action and our values through attention.
To whom, or what, do you pay your best attention? And what does that say about your values?
- In a recent documentary on Mister Rogers he says: In your life “you’ve had people who have smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, and sung you into singing.”
Who has listened you into listening? And do you listen your employees into listening?
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