Listening is an underrated skill among leaders. Dominating the floor and being heard first are staples for a leader during a meeting. When a leader lays out his ideas before anyone else from the team, members are more likely to keep theirs hidden in submission to their superior. A communication that leaves no room for feedback is a failure.
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| Image source: peakbusinessinsight.co.uk |
How then do effective leaders communicate? Below are two examples:
Acknowledge limits
Leaders are not perfect. Accepting that one’s knowledge is limited would give leaders a chance to try listening first before forming opinions. There are many personalities in a team. The role of the leader is to engage each member to communicate. For every message sent, there must be a feedback. A team’s output should not be limited to the leader’s message.
Give importance to creativity. Analytical and logical opinions may be leveled up with creativity and critical thinking. Gathering ideas before coming up with a plan increases the potential of a project to succeed while giving each member a chance to be a part of something that is beyond their limits. It can build a better work environment for everyone.
Welcome growth
Accepting that the best ideas do not only come from leaders promotes a healthy work environment for everyone. The ability to sum up all ideas discussed and forming them into one concrete plan is a sign that the leader is a good listener—it gives everyone the feeling that they have been heard and that they are valued. Great leaders never stop growing: practice being the last to speak.
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| Image source: mattenney.com |
Patrick Dwyer of Merill Lynch believes that effective leaders are great listeners first. Follow this a Twitter page for more articles on how to be an effective leader.
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