Listening and Leadership

Imagine you’re coaching a sports team, and one of your players tells you they’re struggling with their performance. You could just nod and say, “I hear you,” but that’s like hearing the sound of a ball bouncing without understanding the game. Active listening is more like watching the entire play unfold: you pay attention to the player’s body language, notice they seem tense, and ask them to explain more about their struggle. This way, you get the full picture—the facts (they’re missing passes), the feelings (they’re frustrated), and their values (they care deeply about contributing to the team). By truly understanding them, you can offer better guidance and support, fostering a culture of open communication and trust in your team. The article suggests having a toolkit of active listening techniques ready, so you’re always prepared to listen, understand, and lead effectively. 

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