Don't stop at listening

First came the big acknowledgement that good communication included both speaking effectively and listening. Then came the hot instructions on how to listen like a leader. Interjecting the conversation with the occasional, “So what I hear you saying is”, proved that you were indeed not tuning them out.

And that is where it has stopped.

So much listening going on. So much hearing. So much stopping right there because that is really all leaders and company culture can handle until the next radical thought.

The CEO of my company sent an email update about his roadshow to our global offices. One of the favorite parts of his role, he claims, is listening to the candid views and opinions of teams in comfortable exchange. The topics they broached is post-worthy for another time. The crux of this post is the listening.

It is a good look to be a leader in the listening position. There was a lot of listening going on - many cities worth - but nothing about how all that input was or will be processed, advanced, or even dismissed. It all stopped at the listening.

Consultesque Says: Don’t stop at listening. Certainly don’t make rash promises on the spot but to listen without consideration, assessment, implementation, or change is ineffectual. It’s the employee survey in human form that circulates, collects, and dead-ends. This conversation continues: you listened, now it is your turn to answer in word or action. Go.