Failure to Listen

Jerry Strom conducts training during the IPS Leadership Academy. As a result, I receive his e-newsletter that always provides thought provoking material. The latest focus is on listening.

Jerry says,

By far and away, the biggest mistake a leader can make is a failure to LISTEN!

But, many people may think this is just too simple an answer; believing they're better listeners than they actually are. That's the problem. They're blissfully unaware of a very glaring fault. So, what can we learn?

 

These are a few of the fatal listening flaws:

1. Thinking your opinion is better, or more informed, than others'


2. Not acknowledging what you heard, and the person(s) saying it


3. Ignoring what you don't want to hear, or fails to support your point-of-view


4. Dismissive of feedback


5. Making decisions without input from others

Listening is much more than hearing ... it's the origin of relationships, and has a significant impact on the quality of your thinking. A "Listening Leader" attracts people - getting them "on-board" by tuning into them, and establishing a connection with them. Where loyalty and understanding is built, the small stuff is forgiven.

What do you think about what Jerry has to say?
  

This article is based on the *'Fault Lines Study: The Biggest Mistakes a Leader Can Make,' copyright 2013, Jerry Strom & Company, Inc. Download the primary findings paper, 'The Listening Leader,' which includes 'Listening Strategies for the Executive Suite,' at http://www.jerrystrom.com/research/js_fault-lines.html