“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force.”
Think about the great listeners in your life and what makes them so strong at this often-overlooked skill. There is a distinct difference between listening versus hearing. When someone is telling you a story, are you listening? Or are you hearing? Are you absorbing what they have to say? Or waiting for your chance to respond?
To be successful in all walks of life, become a strong communicator and listener. Exceptional communication and listening skills are qualities that are in good leaders across the board.
If you want to make your presence felt, gone are the days of being a fly on the wall. To practice bettering your verbal communication and confidence, give yourself that extra push to raise your hand and share what you have to say during online/offline meetings. It might feel onerous at first, but it will pay off in the long run.
If you want to challenge yourself to become a better listener, form the habit of listening more intently in your everyday life.
In each conversation you have going forward, make an effort to listen not just to respond but absorb what the other person says. Take an extra couple of seconds to respond, process, and ask meaningful questions.
This habit will help you become someone that other people feel that they can trust deeply, which of course, is an essential quality of a great leader, and let others be in your august company.
“Spend at least 20 minutes daily with your parents/children: speak for five minutes and listen for 15 minutes. See what happens!”
By, Ms. Shiza Khan, Primary Academic Coordinator EITPL
