Listening: A Critically Important Leadership Quality

Ask people to describe key qualities of leadership. You’ll likely hear "a visionary, decisive, integrity, strong character, not afraid of risk, sets an example," and other very important qualities. What you likely will not hear is an active listener.

What is an active listener? It is someone who has learned to quiet her (I also mean his) mind, to not be thinking solutions but rather be simply focused on what the speaker is saying, and maybe not saying, as that can be revealing as well. And maybe being aware of the speaker’s emotion, again that can be revealing.

To truly understand another person, listening is critically important. And if leadership is getting great results from others, then listening surely is key.

It is strange, though, that we have seldom been taught listening skills. Active listening is work. It takes conscious practice. Quiet your mind, try to stay absolutely focused, stay quiet, be tuned in and aware of feelings.

Active listening is a challenge. I certainly try to listen intently to my clients, and I also try to practice with family and friends in the evenings and on weekends. When I do it well, I feel as if I am in service to them, and that can be a joy.