What are some common mistakes to avoid when listening actively?

Our instinct is to think about what we're thinking. We have to be deliberate in being open-minded and not jumping to conclusions. I've been guilty of this, especially when it's important to me. Take pause and listen before assessing what others are saying.

Effective listening starts with having a growth mindset and having humility. If you fundamentally appreciate the power of continually learning from those around you, the rest will flow.

Most times we listen to give answers. If you are going to be an active listener then you should purposefully listen to understand. This means: 1. Understanding the person 2. Asking the right questions for clarity 3. Not jumping to conclusions

When we are listening, we are getting into someone's perspective, views, purpose and point of focus. What we usually miss out is that we fail to connect to the topic hence the bigger picture of what that conversation would mean to us. We get distracted by gadgets as we assume the sound is entering our ears and we are there in the conversation whereas actually we are not. Eventually in the process we miss out what our counterpart has spoken about and when we express our opinion it becomes irrelevant or misleading. So please listen with conviction and listen thoroughly Jumping to conclusion or judging can always come later if we can't get out of that habit.

To be honest, I do this all the time at home when I’m busy. Then my fiancée or child has to repeat themselves. It makes them super happy. ?? If you care, put your phone down or close your emails and listen. It’s a very simple step that goes a long way.

The power of being present cannot be understated. Giving someone your complete, undivided attention is as powerful for you as it is for them.

Time is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone. When meeting with my teams, they have my undivided attention. Even though we meet remotely, they can see that I'm engaged through the camera. It goes a long way with team members in feeling heard and knowing they have some that they can go to when they need someone to speak to about issues.

From my experience, maintaining an open mind and setting boundaries up front is key to building healthy relationships with your team. Past experiences should inform, not dictate, your interactions. Navigating an employee's emotions calls for empathy, patience, and understanding. By allowing them space to express their feelings and work through their concerns, we foster an environment of trust and respect. This emotional investment can lead to stronger, more resilient working relationships and contribute to a healthier, more productive workplace.

Controlling every step of an employee's problem-solving process is a clear example of micro-management. Micro-managing can stifle creativity and limit the potential of employees. Effective leaders understand and respect individual differences, encouraging diverse approaches to problem-solving while providing guidance and support when needed.

Good listeners know when it’s time to just be that - a good listener sometimes the person in front of you just needs to vent or needs to think out loud and you need to remember that advice or a peptalk is not what they need.

Sometimes people just need us to listen and know someone cares. Don’t feel the need always to offer solutions. Often the person will develop their solution as they talk through the problem. Please give them the space to make that happen.

The art of asking questions is a skill more leaders should work on. Not just asking questions, but asking the right questions. Also not feeling the need to fill silence after asking the question. Majority of the time, we all know the answers to the questions that are asked. Sometimes we just don't want to face the truth or reality of the situation. Give the space and time for that to happen and the individuals will come to the conclusion of what needs to be done. Offer guidance, not direction.

Follow up goes a long way. Even if there is no action item on the leader from the initial meeting, I've noticed a follow email or message through teams to check on progress goes a lot farther than anyone would expect. It hammers home the fact that you were listening and that what was discussed actually matters enough that you're willing to go out of your way to check back in.

I’ve come to see note taking as the best way to manage all of the above. It helps make sure you come to a conversation with curiosity and with the intent of learning. It helps me feel more like a student in conversations where I want to be actively listening.

Ignoring Silent Team Members: Some team members may be less vocal. Pay attention to their cues and invite their input to ensure everyone feels heard.

Encourage your team members to provide you with open and honest feedback. This takes time and a foundation of trust and once established can have limitless rewards. An open an regular forum where team members can express fears, frustrations, etc can really improve overall organizational health and significantly impact those outside of the immediate organization.

Great leaders are great listeners. The best leaders don't walk into a room intent on talking - they walk into a room intent on listening and learning. Through my conversations with hundreds of America's top leaders, I have heard countless examples of the power of listening. To share just one: General Martin Dempsey told me that President Obama strongly encouraged everyone around him to speak up during meetings. He wanted to hear from everyone and he wanted everyone to be heard. He knew it would allow him to make the best, most informed decisions. And as General Dempsey explained, even when your advice wasn't acted upon, by being given a platform to express yourself and by being heard, you felt motivated and inspired.