Are You Listening Or Just Letting Me Speak?

We know that good communication depends in good measure on listening but we mostly spend too little time thinking about what that really means. Listening is usually passive, in the sense that it requires no conscious effort. Always on, we simply receive information, but how we choose to pay attention matters.

Habitually many leaders have bad habits when it comes to listening:

You are allowed to talk.

I say I’m listening but actually what I mean is that you are allowed to talk. I am not talking but neither am I actually listening. I reassure myself by ticking off the box which says it’s a good idea to listen to a range of views and opinions. If I reflect back on what you just said, I have to admit I have no idea, though I’m vaguely conscious of your mouth moving.

I’m waiting to talk.

You are currently talking, which is annoying because I would like to be talking. I am thinking about the excellent point I am about to make. Whilst I am doing this thinking, I have no attention left to actually listen to what you are saying.  If I reflect back on what you just said, I have to admit I have no idea, though I’m vaguely conscious of your mouth moving.

You are a woman.

(Or from a minority or quite young or from a school I never heard or basically quite different). You are on the team because you are very smart and committed. I like that you are on the team. When you speak, I am wondering what the traffic will be like this evening. I don’t know what you are saying, mostly because I don’t think what you say matters much. In a few moments Henry will probably repeat the exact same point you are making and I will tell him what a great idea it is. (See too, Am I A Di**head?)

The truth is that listening is effortful. the effort is representative of the fact listening is a skill, it requires practice and investment. When we listen and really hear what is said we are open to new ideas and information – we may change our views or decisions in consequence because we were open minded, willing to learn. When others know that we can and will listen they are also far more willing to speak up and contribute fully. Good listening also communicates a genuine care, concern and respect for others as well as a curiosity to search out meaning, new ideas, perspectives and wisdom.

It is no coincidence that the very best leaders ask more questions and spend more time listening than talking.