Right Fit Leading: Make Listening About Them, Not You!

What you do while you are listening is just as important as the fact that you listen.  I have seen a few examples of people trying to make a point and the listener cuts the person off with the “what happened to me story.”  This is often the wrong approach.

Make listening about Them, not about You.  Leaders are often taught about listening but not about hearing.  Listen to understand what the person is really saying and what it means to Them.  Strive for a comfortable exchange where you ask for clarification and feedback before you inject your own story that “matches” the person’s situation.

A good way to make sure you are successful is avoid multitasking, put down your phone, make eye contact, and clarify the information you are hearing.  Many times there will be an opening to inject your personal experience.  But if the opportunity doesn’t present itself, let it go.

Make listening about Them, not about you.

What is your listening style?