Great leadership is not possible without great communication skills, and great communication skills include knowing how to listen. Listening is a skill that must be practiced and improved upon in the same way that one might practice public speaking skills. There are steps everyone can take in order to become a better listener, and thus a more effective communicator and stronger leader. One key component of listening is the active practice of mindfulness. A person who practices mindfulness is someone who remains present in the moment rather than allowing their thoughts and attention to wander. Good listeners must also take care to shut off their own internal dialogue while someone else is speaking to them. Finally, good listeners should know how to ask for clarification and double check to confirm that they are understanding what is being communicated.
Key Takeaways:
- Be in the present. Know what’s happening around you and inside you.
- Shut off the part of you that wants to respond and make yourself listen to the other person.
- Make sure you understand what the other person says by repeating their words.
“Part of being a great leader is being able to communicate effectively, and that includes being a good listener.”
Read more: https://www.inc.com/brenda-barbosa/how-to-be-a-better-listener-in-3-simple-steps.html
