Listening leaders, lead longer!

As we transition past the Ides of March and approach the end of the month, one is reminded of Julius Caesar who disregarded the soothsayer’s warning to “Beware the Ides of March.” This incident underscores the perils of arrogance and indifference. Had Caesar been able to consider perspectives beyond his own, he might have been able to prevent the actions of the sixty conspirators who resolved to assassinate him during a Senate session due to his ambition to establish a monarchy rather than preserving the Roman Republic.

His pursuit of extreme power had negative and fatal consequences, mainly due to his refusal to listen. It could be expected that leaders would learn from the mistakes of others, but there are still some leaders who desire power so intensely that they become unaware of how their quest for power might lead to their possible downfall.

We will discuss the concept of one's "power quest" at another time. However, it is essential to focus on a leader's ability to listen. The efficacy of leadership can hinge on the capacity to listen effectively. While we could delve into distinctions between active and passive listening or the differences between listening and hearing, such discussions could be unproductive. To gain meaningful insight as leaders, we must scrutinize our listening habits. Ultimately, authentic leaders listen to learn and learn to listen. Listening leaders:

·         “look” into the eyes of those with whom they are communicating. Direct eye contact creates an immediate sense of connection that fosters trust. It can be quite frustrating to speak to someone who is not making eye contact, whether looking at the top of their head, the side of their face, the bottom of their chin, or the back of their skull.

·         “express” interest or disinterest in another’s concerns through verbal and non-verbal dialogue. Words and expressions carry significance for individuals and can either strengthen or undermine relational circuits, which are crucial for fostering effective trust and facilitating honest communication.

·         “appreciate” others’ opinions whether they agree with them or not. When a leader listens with genuine appreciation, it instills a sense of personal and professional worth in the other person, thereby encouraging more open communication.

·         “respond” when communicating with people. Leaders may respond positively, negatively, or not respond at all. Among these options, non-responsiveness is the most detrimental as it leads to confusion and uncertainty regarding one's sense of belonging and value within the organization.

·         “nurture” an environment of listening. Authentic leaders set the conditions for effective listening by being an effective listener, and by setting the example of attentive and effective listening. Listening is not a critical factor; it is the critical factor in a healthy communication domain.

I suppose I could’ve titled this article, “Five Habits of Listening Leaders,” but given Julius Caesar’s short-lived leadership and life-long demise the better title is, “Listening Leaders, Lead Longer.” I hope you are listening.