"Pour into your people through listening-- and you'll inspire their best work!"— James McPartland
One of the most powerful tools we can practice as leaders at the helm of a company- is also one of the simplest: LISTENING.
When the people we lead feel listened to, they in turn, listen to themselves more carefully. You listening to your team enables them to evaluate and clarify their own thoughts and feelings more openly, sparking a chain reaction of introspection and clarity.
I know when I feel heard, I become less defensive and oppositional in conflict and I'm more willing to listen to other's points of view. That's because the very act of listening diffuses tension and builds trust, creating a collaborative culture, where ideas can be exchanged freely through open, let's-find-a-solution-together conversations.
And listening isn't just passive. It can be a form of tactical empathy. Not only do we hone our own emotional intelligence when we listen, we access the mindset and authentic thinking of the people we lead!
Listen, we don't grow companies, we grow people! So if you can do that-- the sky is the limit! Pour into your people through listening-- and you'll be able to address their concerns more effectively, inspire their best work, and align your entire team toward your shared goals.
Foster reciprocal respect for diverse perspectives amongst your team, and I guarantee you it will bring about innovative problem-solving and drive your organization forward.
So try listening. and follow me for more on this No Straight Lines series.
Mac 😎
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