Listening and acting are two ends of the same stick that build trust and rapport.
What makes it so difficult for us to act and not just listen?
The art and skill of listening has been analyzed, written about, discussed, and mulled over extensively in the past decade.
Listening means to sincerely try to understand another person’s point of view until that person feels understood. Many books and training programs go into detail on developing this skill. Needless to say, listening is a hard job.
After you listen and truly understand, then comes the action. Acting after listening ensures that you are doing things that will actually solve some problem, issue, or concern.
How many times have you acted first based on rumors, innuendos, half truths, and judgments only to find out later that your actions were meaningless or even embarrassing because you didn’t listen.
I found during my leadership experiences that be being a great listener builds trust and rapport. As Stephen M.R. Covey wrote in his book – The Speed of Trust – The One Thing That Changes Everything
“Trust brings out the best in people – and literally changes the dynamics of interaction”
This is so true…I found it out first hand – time after time
I also think one of the ultimate qualities of a leader is humility. And one of the best ways to be a humble leader is shut up and listen…
And maybe you do that my Leading by Walking Around (Called LBWA). What it means is getting off your computer – getting out of your office and getting out there with your people and customers…going to the front lines, and all those areas that support the business. Being seen… engaging… showing you are interested…building trust by being seen.
Then listen – work hard not to have an opinion – keep asking probing questions and pay attention to what is being said.
AND… not just listen with your ears – but listen with your heart and your eyes. I call it – Listen BIG
Leaders do not do enough of this…we seem to get caught up in the thick of thin things and let the important things slip.
