Action: Five Ways to Enhance Listening for Leaders
This series of blog posts focuses on the Action component of the Together Evolving model. To achieve lasting results, take one intentional step forward at a time.
When leaders focus on listening, they unlock a world of possibility to strengthen relationships. Trust increases. Direct reports feel seen and heard. Safe spaces are created. Leadership improves.
While effective listening is beneficial, it is among the most challenging skills for leaders to master. If you are working to become a better listener, below are actionable ways to improve your listening effectiveness, one conversation at a time.
Speak last in meetings and speak less overall.
In a typical 60-minute meeting, how much do you listen versus talk? No matter where you fall, work to increase the amount of time you listen. A helpful tactic is to write: “Listen more, talk less” on a notepad in front of you before your next meeting. Measure your progress following each conversation.
In addition to speaking less, speak last, especially in times of brainstorm and collaboration. In many meetings, you are the leader and likely one of the senior voices of the room. You can steer a conversation in a particular direction without realizing it. Your opinions carry weight. Hold onto them and listen to the thoughts and ideas that emerge when you do.
Listen not only for words, but also for tone and body language.
A person’s body language and tone of voice share more than words alone. When you pay attention to the entirety of your surroundings during a conversation, you gain more awareness of the situation. What is really going on? What is not being said?
You may notice a potential conflict, feel the stress of a colleague, or identify an elephant in the room. Respectfully and kindly share what you notice. Listen to the full response.
Stop interrupting. Please. Stop.
You may have the best of intentions when you interrupt: not wanting to lose a thought, correcting specific data, or recognizing the merit of a colleague’s point.
Rather than interrupt, allow the individual to fully share their information. They may add new details that make your desire to interrupt obsolete, or they may become flustered when the interjection is made. Interrupting, even done with the best of intentions, discounts what is being said in the moment. Resist the temptation.
Turn off your own camera during video calls.
Give yourself one less distraction during video calls – looking at yourself. While you remain visible to those on the call, turn off the ability to see yourself on camera. This tactic drastically improved my own ability to listen, and I strongly encourage you to try it for yourself. You’ll be amazed at the ability to get laser focused and notice things you had not before.
Ask questions to ensure comprehension.
You’ve followed the guidance above: spoken less, observed body language, kept your camera off, and refrained from interrupting. This is excellent progress, and yet, you may not fully understand what your direct report said. What now?
Take this moment to demonstrate humility to gain clarity. Ask a question rather than: 1) assuming you know what the employee means; 2) filling in the blanks yourself after the call. These approaches may leave the employee feeling unheard and a situation unresolved. Asking for clarity frees you completely and ensures you move forward together in sync.
The idea of listening fully is simple, yet simple does not mean it is easy. Observe yourself in meetings, conversations, and presentations over the coming week. Determine how the above tactics can help you elevate your listening. Becoming a better listener will, without a doubt, increase your connectedness with your team.
Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving. Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching has on you and your leadership.