Talk less. Listen more.
Today I’d like to share one of my favorite leadership tips.
Talk less.
Listen more.
You may think you must constantly talk to give directions and solve people’s problems.
But that is a myth.
I know that time is of the essence.
I get it.
You don’t always have time to listen when you are moving so quickly.
However, I’d like to offer a different perspective.
People find it refreshing to really be heard.
Plus, your team needs you to be a sounding board for them.
Being a sounding board means that you:
- Listen without judgment
- Ask lots of open-ended questions
- Don’t interrupt other people
- Stay quiet for longer periods
- Give people the space to articulate their thoughts out loud
When you slow down and listen, really listen, you provide others with the space they need to solve their own problems.
Don’t you find it helpful to articulate your thoughts out loud when you are stuck? Just doing so creates a clear pathway from being stuck to coming up with a solution.
Be the leader who patiently listens.
Be the leader who doesn’t interrupts others.
Stop trying to solve people’s problems.
Being a great leader does not mean you are “on” all the time.
Sometimes you need to relax.
Let your brain rest.
Talk less.
Listen more.
It’s an excellent way to give your team a platform to share, express themselves and solve their own problems!!
