Good leaders are able to listen well. They know when to speak and when to remain silent. They also understand when to listen to opposing views and how to respond. A great leader understands the importance of listening to others' opinions and will not react to every criticism. If a leader is unwilling to listen to criticism, he will not build a strong base of followers. In addition to good listening skills, great leaders are also sensitive to different types of personalities.
While many leaders want to help others, this approach only robs people of their own voices. By listening to others' ideas and letting them speak, a leader will create a better working environment for the team and ensure that employees know they are appreciated. Listening also allows a leader to gain new insights and validate the contribution of others. Good leaders embrace silence, listening before speaking. Listening is the foundation of effective relationships.
Mindy Grossman, former CEO of WW and Weight Watchers, is a good example. Grossman made sure to listen to her employees at various locations. By involving them in important decisions, she ensured that they felt appreciated. Without feeling included, employees can become disengaged. Michele Buck, the first female CEO of the Hershey Company, is another example of a good leader who listens. By listening to people, leaders can learn more about their employees and improve the company's product or service.
If a leader isn't listening to other people, their words are of little use. They can give advice, ask questions and react with their own opinions. They can even pretend to listen by nodding their head or making "aha..hmm" sounds. In addition, they can even pretend to be attentive while ignoring people's feelings. When they don't listen to others, they risk putting their employees on the defensive.
Ultimately, good leaders listen to understand others. This enables them to identify problems and offer solutions before they become a distraction. This builds trust between the employee and the manager and creates an environment where people can contribute value and contribute their best work. They build a sense of trust and empathy between the two. It also allows them to take calculated risks. And because of the importance of listening, good leaders have a better understanding of the problems faced by their teams.
When listening to people, good leaders don't just acknowledge what they hear. They acknowledge the other person's contributions. This is because this acknowledgement builds good will. When a leader listens, he is not simply reading words, he is hearing the story. He is also looking for the opportunity beyond the issue at hand. Effective leaders listen carefully and don't interrupt each other to make the situation uncomfortable for them.
