There’s been a common theme recently with Lily, our 7-year old. Whether we’re explaining where we’re off to, what we’re doing, helping her with spellings, or simply asking not to do something – we’re having to repeat EVERYTHING…at least TWICE.

It’s exhausting and really tests the old patience.

It’s not that Lily isn’t hearing us, she can hear us loud and clear (well, 99% of the time, just not when she’s watching a VLOG on fixing squishies).

The problem is that she’s not Listening.

Listening requires concentration so that our brains can process meaning from words and sentences.

Listening is something we consciously do.

As a leader in your business, listening is crucial, whether it be with your partner, your team, customers, prospects…

Too many business owners and leaders that I observe in their environments, or during Masterminds, are Hearing but not always Listening.

(Worst still are those few that skip the Listening altogether as they’re too busy Telling).

Listening and being aware means we’re Present.

It means we’re engaging and stimulating people around us.

Our team no longer see conversation as a ‘game to win’ but as an opportunity to challenge and learn.

It means we’ve creating the right environment, culture and processes for open and honest feedback.

It allows us to become aware of how we’re impacting others, as well as how we’re impacted by others.

Powerful stuff.

The next time you’re in a meeting, or in conversation with a team member, how much are you hearing vs. listening?

BW,

Martin Norbury

The Scalability Coach | Britain’s Top 10 Adviser 2018 | Author of #1 bestseller I don’t work Fridays  | Ex-CEO of a PLC