I spent the weekend in the company of some amazing people. One of my key learnings and experiences was to see that listening is a gift. It was hardly surprising that this arrived in my inbox on the same day that I arrived home.
Listening is the nucleus of communication. We demonstrate value by giving up the “right” to immediately interpret what is being said and, instead, remain present to what is being spoken. Listening requires us to hear the speaker’s commitments, concerns, and possibilities. As a leader whose purpose is to empower the speaker, listen to the commitment that is there. People are committed to something. It may be a commitment to not making commitments - that’s a commitment. Listen to people’s concerns: jobs. family, children, travel, education. dreams. Listen for their possibilities — hopes, dreams… their future.