Things to Think About 123

The Price of Not Listening

In my work with leaders, I often spend time with their subordinates, talking to them about the leader. I do this in order to see the leader through the eyes of those who know them best—those who work with them on a daily basis.

The people with whom I work are “Alphas”. (I call myself a recovering Alpha.) They are driven, decisive, bright, and goal-oriented. Unfortunately, Alphas also frequently have a short-coming that can become a very self-limiting trait. It’s the inability to listen to others, and I hear this often as people describe their leader’s characteristics.

So, what’s the problem? I think this quote from Andy Stanley sums it up quite nicely. Here it is.

“Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.”

Think about it for a moment. The most important thing to a leader in the 21st century is information, it’s data, it’s the truth from the battle-front, it’s open and honest communication—diversity of opinion, and the only way they will ever get these things is by listening.

Something tells me that this column might get forwarded a bit more than usual.
Till next time…