The Why
Listening is a gift but in leadership it is also a responsibility and an opportunity. The basic definition of Listen is "to give one's attention to a sound." But what I offer to you is that, particularly as a person acting in a leadership role, that listening is receiving thoughts and feelings through paying attention. This can be done in person, over email, a text or video chat. It can be done with your ears and your eyes. It can, and should, be applied to listening to yourself.
We listen to understand. We listen to make decisions. We listen to be understood. We listen to connect. We listen to serve.
The How
Learn
Growth is an essential human need and learning is a fundamental part of growth. When we listen to learn we achieve a multitude of benefits. In leadership, the forefront of this is to provide clarity, reach for improvements, make better informed decisions. You will never know it all (you don't need to) but continue to learn and encourage others to grow through learning and you are on the right path.
Inspire & Innovate
Innovation is the application of new ideas, creative thoughts and imaginations to create better solutions. When we co-create with others, often the by product is inspired action and thinking. A quick way to start is to co-create a team mission that supports your overall mission and incorporates aligned personal and team specific values.
Next, incorporate these 5 questions into a regular practice:
- How can we serve our mission every day?
- Are there any processes that no longer serve the mission?
- Are there tools we need or no longer need?
- What can we do to be more effective?
- What can we do differently to be more efficient?
Serve
We are all in service- in every part of life, no matter what you do. You serve your goals, your mission, your people, your business, your faith, your friends, your family and yourself. The principal of whole-istic leadership is that people are whole beings. We carry all of us everywhere we go. There is no leaving part of you home and part of you at work. Neither is it possible for your people to do this. Therefore we must acknowledge, engage and support wholly.
Teach
As a leader, we teach in the form of guidance, inspiration, being an example and sharing of resources. We remove obstacles and challenge to reach potential. We do not do. I reference the old proverb 'Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.'
Engage & Empower
Engage the whole person and empower them to
- find their own how to achieve the goals you have clearly defined
- make decisions
- problem solve
Acknowledge and engage your own why. Empower yourself to respond rather than react. To guide rather than do.
Nurture
Nurture yourself, your business and your people. Care for the whole you and the whole them. Encourage growth and development within yourself and them. Cultivate an environment of innovation that literally repels stagnation.
Want to Apply This Work?
Schedule a complimentary 1-hour call.
"In leadership, listening is not only essential, it is a responsibility and a gift. "
