8 cornerstones of Leadership 2

Listening: the second cornerstone

''If you want to be all round leader,just become an awesome listener''

If you've ever been the recipient of someone giving you their full,undivided attention,you'll know what a gift this can be. Especially when  the person giving you their attention is your superior/leader or someone who has influence over you life/career success. But, unfortunately today,this act of giving another person full attention during conversation has become a very scarce commodity among us.

4 Reason why giving people your full attention is worth it's weight in gold

1.We hear what's being said.It seems obvious,but if we are preoccupied with checking our phone,glancing at emails, or if our eyes are constantly skirting the room,we can miss subtle but vital clues/information.We may also not fully comprehend what the other person is trying to communicate.

2. Paying full attention to people makes them feel heard and valued. I don't need to teach you to suck eggs as to why this is good for your team to feel this way -  not to mention the benefits to you as a leader and to the entire team.

3. It's actually a practice of mindfulness.You need to train yourself to be fully present in every moment and you'll instantly become a better  leader.

4. It builds relationships. when we know that someone is listening to us with full intent,it builds trust -the life blood of all relationships. Building a culture of trust is more vital in today's ever changing environment.

4 Ways you can become a better listener 

• Put down the phone or at least stop looking at your computer/report/hotties in the next door cubicle. Look at the person who's speaking to you. Just giving another person your full attention and looking them in the eye is the first rule of good listening. 
• Pay attention to what'snot being said  Gestures, facial expressions, even the flush in someone's face tell us more than the words people say, learning to read non verbal communication leads to better listening.
• Listen to understand, not reply. Paraphrase,repeat back loaded or emotionally laden words. Ask questions to understand the other person's perspective. e.g when you said X what did you mean?, Tell me more about that?, Say more... e.t.c
• Shut Up  Sorry for the bluntness,but if you're the type that's always talking, interrupting others, or even constantly playing in your head what you want to say next,you ain't listening.

REMEMBER! that the keyword in today's lesson is Listening which is the #2 Cornerstone of Leadership.