Credible Leaders Listen and LEarn

In times of stress,turbulence and when feeling challenged, we tend to be at our most fragile. However as leaders that is probably the most critical time for us to seek out and really listen to the thoughts, ideas and , yes, even the unwelcome messages, our people wish to share with us. Following is a quote from a pair of eminent researchers and consultants in the field of transformation and leadership which focuses on this issue. It certainly was a useful reminder to me to not become bunkered down when I am overwhelmed with client needs, but to actively seek out their thoughts and messages – tough or welcome!

THOUGHT
Impressive listening skills have been identified as one common characteristic of credible leaders. A willingness to listen carefully to constituents and, if necessary, to hear the bad news keeps leaders from being isolated from critical feedback.
When they can get information from a variety of sources, across functions and levels, they are able to know what is going on. To serve others well, leaders
must be in touch with them, listen to them, and respect them. Ever try getting good service at a restaurant when your waiter or waitress is never around, is too busy, or seems to think something you have asked for was too much bother?

Being able to listen to the news, good and bad, is a basic ingredient for staying in touch. When things are going well, it's not all that difficult to hear the good news. It's how we react to news about mistakes and difficulties that may be the better indicator of whether or not constituents feel like keeping us in touch. From the constituent's perspective, the question is always, "Did they still shoot the messenger with bad news?"

Source: Credibility by Kouzes and Posner

REFLECTION

What proactive steps did you take over the last ten days to seek out what your teams had to say?
What is your default method of dealing with the hard messages some wish to give?
What would your teams say about your willingness to not only hear what they say but to actually seek out this discussion?
What specific actions do you take regularly to ensure you “are in touch with them, listen to them, and respect them”?

CHALLENGE

Identify one concrete action you can take within the next 48 hours to actively show your people you want and will respect, their feedback / thoughts.
Review your existing communication strategies [or develop one] for you and your team that ensures you provide opportunities for them to actively engage in sharing their thoughts and ideas on a broad range of topics. This is beyond quick practical problem solving team meetings but moves into engaging them as true partners in achieving goals.

I would love to hear how you go with this challenge and your personal reflections on this topic

D