Make time to listen

To listen fully means to pay close attention to what is being said beneath the words. You listen not only to the 'music,' but to the essence of the person speaking. You listen not only for what someone knows, but for what he or she is. - Peter Senge

I want to be heard. Of course I do. More-so, I long to be understood – even just a little. You see, I have ideas. I have opinions. I have dreams. I see things a little differently to the way you might … and I’d love to share these perspectives with you. It’s difficult when you give me the answer before you’ve listened to the question. In truth, perhaps I wasn’t even looking for an answer at all. Perhaps I was simply hoping you might be willing to walk a mile in my shoes.

Here’s the reality: my team feels this way too! Every individual entrusted to my care is asking for the same gift. It’s human nature. We want to be heard. We long to be understood. At the very least, we’d like an opportunity to have a shot at it.

I have the rare privilege of functioning under a leader who truly takes the time to listen and who intentionally makes an effort to understand. As a result, I am continually reminded that prioritising this one thing might just be the most important favour I afford myself as a leader. We’re all different – and beautifully so. To set aside my own frames of reference for a while and really step into another’s shoes might just increase appreciation of the other and create an environment in which team players are brave enough to risk a little more (professionally and personally). It might just lead to a greater sense of cohesion and belonging and hey … I’m guessing it’ll ultimately enhance effectiveness and lead to an all-round higher quality of work.

With so many strengths to tap into and so many different colours to draw from, what a beautiful canvas could be created if we only took the time to really listen and made an effort to genuinely understand.

I think we'd be surprised.