Leaders are created, not born. It’s a phrase that comes with some controversy, and while some traits may be innate to a person, most of them can beare learned over time. A lot goes into being a great leader, but today, the focus will be on becoming anthe active listener.
True leadership influences the lives of others, and there are two traits that stand above the rest:
- Communicating effectively. Real leaders make an impact one conversation at a time.
- Listening. Communication requires active listening to understand problems and how to influence others.
Over 64% of business leaders know that effective communication increases productivity and nearly the same percentage state that poor communication wastes time.
If you want to be a leader who stands out and makes an impactful difference, become an active listener first.
What is Communication, Really?
Poor communication is the root cause of interpersonal and business problems. Two-in-three leaders experience daily miscommunication, and this figure rises to 100% each week. The cost is:
- Loss in productivity
- Lack of trust
- Wasted time
Communication is your effectiveness in sharing information in a way that the listener understands. You share an idea or thought with another person, and they receive the idea or thought, place a meaning on it, and understand it.
Your message is not fully communicated until it’s understood, which is why great leaders know their audience and speak their language.
Effective leaders understand that communication occurs in two ways and is not linear. Leaders must eliminate assumptions, clarify expectations, build feedback into communication, allow for interactivity and process both verbal & non-verbal messages.
Based on these facts, communication requires an understanding of the message rather than just talking.
Messages can also be blocked out by noise, which leaders must learn to manage.
Blocking Out the Interference of Noise
I was on a conference call recently, and it happened. Someone parked outside of my window with music blaring!, and aAs someone who practices what I preach, I knew I had to block out the noise. Letting the noise in would negatively impact my ability to communicate.
Noise can be a car with loud music parking right next to your window or someone mowing a lawn right outside your window, but it can also be emotional and/or psychological in nature. You might receive bad news right before an important meeting, and your emotions will be the noise that stops you from communicating your message appropriately.
You and your followers can experience innumerable sources of noise, and this may include:
- Physical noise: Loud music, health issues, a siren or alarm, a crying child addiction, random loud noises and so on.
- Interpersonal: Anger, bitterness, negative past experiences and others.
- Emotional/Psychological: Trauma, personal crises, death, unemployment and the like.
Removing distractions and getting “into the zone” involves being an active listener. It’s easy to think that communication starts with your tongue, but you would be wrong. The best communicators start with their ears. Honing your listening skills can transform you from a good to a great leader who can relay messages effectively and excite teams.
10 Principles Leaders Can Follow to Become an Active Listener
Listening skills increase when you know the right principles to follow. You may have many of these principles already, but they’re worth noting:
- Seek First To Understand!
Active listeners must adjust their attitudes and agendas. You want to understand before you can expect to be understood. - Listen Actively!
Understanding requires leaders to:- Continually remind themselves to be active listeners.
- Work toward active listening because it will require discipline and effort.
- Focus on your followers as a way to stay in the zone and hear what others are saying.
- Be Present!
Working off of principle two, you must be present. Poor listeners are those who are inattentive, easy to distract and disengage during conversations. Keep these points in mind when others are speaking because all great leaders make a habit of being more present.
Your followers want to be valued, and if you offer your undivided support and focus, they will feel that you value them. - Don’t Interrupt!
You may feel the need to interject when someone is talking, but this interruptiong is forbidden. It may be challenging, but it’s necessary to resist interrupting others and to allow them to finish their thoughts before you respond.
It’s only possible to hear the person and respond effectively after they’ve articulated their points fully. - Practice Empathic Listening!
When you listen with your ears, you’re only listening to a small part of what others are saying. You need to be able to listen to the emotions and feelings that the person conveys, too. Put yourself in the person’s shoes to see their point of view.
It becomes much easier to communicate when you have a clear picture of what the other person is saying and feeling. - Observe Non-Verbals!
Non-verbal patterns are arguably just as, if not more, important than what the other person is saying. You’ll find that 55% of non-verbal communication impacts others, while the tone of your voice has a 38% impact.
Words only have a 7% impact, which is very telling.
You can often “hear more” from non-verbals than you do from the verbals of a person. - Listen To Understand, Not To Respond!
Leaders want to have a say, but great leaders know that the power of listening is the ability to understand.
Why?
You can give your undivided attention to the person who is speaking when you listen to understand rather than listen to respond, which builds connection and trust. - Make Eye Contact!
Eye contact shows that you’re engaging with the person and enhances your ability to listen to others. Your eyes should remain on the person to avoid potential distractions.
Acknowledge Common Fears!
Poor communication is often a pattern of deep-rooted fears. No one wants to feel vulnerable, and communication often puts a person in a position to be misunderstood or rejected. - Acknowledging common fears allows you to be better at active listening.
- Clarify, Question, Re-State, and Seek Feedback!
Listening and seeking clarification by asking probing questions allows you to clarify a person’s thoughts and feelings. You should restate what the person has said in your own words and ask for direct feedback to gain a better understanding.
Working Towards Active Listening is Becoming a Great Leader
Leaders who become active listeners by following the principles and advice above have taken an integral step toward becoming strong communicators. Your dedication to improving will strengthen your team and help you “read” the room.
One day at a time, work on your listening and communication skills, and watch as your team buys in and works harder for you.
But remember, communication requires impeccable listening skills.
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