There is one leadership skill which is the most underrated but possibly most important. Interestingly, I have never heard it discussed at a conference. I have never listened to a podcast focusing on it. And while it is discussed in individual chapters, I have never read a book solely dedicated to this skill. Yet, you will never reach your full potential as a leader without it. Failure to develop this skill will greatly reduce your influence.
This underrated but vitally important leadership skill is Listening Skills.
In Adam Grant’s new book Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, he dedicates significant amounts of time to the value of this skill in a section entitled The Art Of Influential Listening. His thoughts are insightful, challenging, and convicting.
The following are 15 Facts About Listening Skills he provides:
- Listening is not just talking less. It is the skill of asking and responding.
- Great listeners show more interest in others than judging their status or proving a point.
- We can all get better as listeners.
- You should ask “curious questions that don’t have the hidden agenda of fixing, saving, advising, convincing, or correcting.”
- Great listeners know people often want sympathy rather than solutions.
- Betty Bigombe said, “Even the devil appreciates being listened to.”
- Listening makes people less anxious and defensive.
- Many communicators attempt to look smart. Great listeners make their audiences feel smart.
- A little listening goes a long way. Doctors interrupt their patients on an average of 11 seconds. Ironically, patients only need an average of 29 seconds to describe their symptoms. If these doctors only listened for just 18 more seconds, what a difference it would make.
- Few people listen to information without first giving permission.
- Listening gives people the space to reflect on their views. And sometimes they end up changing their own minds.
- Listening is a sign of respect.
- Listening is an expression of care.
- When we have first shown we care, people are more likely to listen to us.
- Grant summarizes his thoughts on listening by writing, “Listening is a way of offering others our scarcest, most precious gift: our attention.”
Listening has traditionally been my weakest leadership skill. I have worked very hard on it the last couple of years. Adam’s words really hit home for me. I highly recommend his new book. You can purchase your copy HERE or on the image above.
How are you as a listener?
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