Get curious!

Can you guess the number one pitfall of a leader? It’s the inability, or lack of desire, to listen to other people’s ideas and input. Daniel Goleman, author of ‘Emotional Intelligence,’ calls the leader’s inability to listen, “the common cold of leadership.” Maybe that’s because it is so prevalent among leaders or perhaps people feel there is no cure!

I have a magnet on my fridge, given to me by a close friend that reads, “to save time let’s just assume I’m right. While in this case the adage is correct ;), it is also said in jest. Sadly, it does a good job summarizing the belief and actions held by many leaders I have met and coached. The problem is, if you think or assume you are right, it lessens the motivation to listen to other people’s points of view. And when you do, you will find yourself defending or arguing your own position rather than really listening and understanding someone’s point of view.

The antidote – be curious! Try to take time to listen to other people’s opinions and ask questions that will clarify and even enlighten you on what they mean. Consider this quote by Longfellow, “Seek first to understand and then to be understood.” Listening leads to understanding and understanding to empathy. These are all important qualities in great leaders and Star Performers. So, your take away today is to practice listening. Also, make sure you have at least a few people in your life that you seek feedback from on a regular basis. Make sure you expose yourself to new ideas so you can expand your thinking instead of leading from a vacuum. George was curious and you can be too!