Effective and Active Listening Skills in a Leader

Boss.. please listen!

How does it feel when you are saying something and people do not listen, more so when it is your boss. Take another situation where you are wanting to speak but you are unable to because the person your talk is addressed to is all consumed by his/her side of logic. Beyond social spaces, such are instances one encounters at workplace more often that one would like to admit. At these moments the only thought running through your mind is your incapability and your under estimation of your ownself. You are in self doubt and wonder — do I not know my job, what is really wrong with me, could anyone point out whether my thought process is flawed… and endlessly we continue to dig our assumed deficiencies.

Now lets see a reversal of the picture. You enter your workplace, a meeting is called in. You step in. A brainstorming session is on, you have a wave of exciting ideas and you share. These ideas are heard and discussed accepted or may be refuted. You still feel heard. Result- an inspiring workplace that compelled you to contribute more and you return happily to the place.

Very simple but widely ignored skill. Our aim as leader of a big team or a small one is to create an environment without fear. A space where no one is afraid to voice their concerns, motivated to think creatively, brainstorm and expand their world view. Finally, space that propels growth by being collaborative.

Active Listening: Unless we engage with the other person and hear them out however trivial may be their concern we will never graduate to be an exceptional leader. It is only such moments where we get an opportunity to honestly engage with out team member,our colleague. People always question whether it is worthwhile to know your team so well, to hear their personal issues or is it better to maintain that distance. Well, it is left to the judgement of each individual leader, however, in my opinion it is always good to be approachable, to have friendly demeanour and be there for your team. Be their support and always have their back.

While having a professional discussion, a boss should never assume a superior command over a subject because of his/her position. A younger team member, could be armed with stronger knowledge of a subject, it is our role to give them a hearing and not to dismiss them. In some cases your direct reportee might be older in the system than you and that “oldness or old ways of working” may in your view hamper your accelerated growth trajectory. However, this veteran in the system could guide you on the gaps and ways to overcome that. So be open to listen.

Open Communication: Be approachable. Be receptive. Have an open door, I mean metaphorically here — Physically you might have an open door but mentally you are against the idea to listen to anyone. The channels of discussion should be open — team should be free to walk in share their issues and concerns, vent if they need to and go back feeling relieved. A spirited environment where the team is open to talk to you, share creative approaches, suggest new ways, able to voice their concerns without feeling intimidated. The word is ample Freedom of expression to allow for inventive work environment where the team is overflowing with new ideas and the zeal to bring them to fruition. You might wonder, that this might give wings to the team to behave non professionally. I think that this delicate balance the team also knows how to maintain, they only need an ear and appreciation.

No one is a perfect boss, but if you could move to be a listner you will be on your way to be a better leader. And deep within you, you know you can be one.

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