I’ve been encouraging and emphasizing the importance of mastering their listening and observing skills to leaders for decades. I often speak of the “lost art” of the powerful, open-ended question. Once asked, then we need to do something magical. Shut up and listen.
But listen differently—
To what’s said;
To tone/intonation;
To body language; and
To the emotional field.
Becoming skilled at active listening. The Center for Creative Leadership defines active listening as having the follow 6-components—
Paying attention;
Withholding judgment;
Reflecting;
Clarifying;
Summarizing; and
Sharing.