Coaching Thursdays 15th Edition

Welcome to the 15th "Coaching Thursday" edition with me, Beaulah M. Chizimba. Today, I want to talk about a small but important difference that significantly affects our leadership effectiveness. It is the difference between hearing and listening.

This week's self-coaching question is: How frequently do we really listen to comprehend rather than just to respond? Hearing is not the same as listening.

During one of my lunch breaks this week, I went for a walk and decided to grab my phone and headphones to listen to an audio session I had heard before. Listening to it again, I heard fresh ideas and points I hadn't recognised before. This reminded me that hearing is about grasping and internalising what is being expressed, not only about processing sound.

Our hectic work situations make it easy to fall into the trap of hearing without listening. Hearing is a passive activity performed naturally. By comparison, listening is an active process requiring complete attention and involvement. As leaders we need to develop the capacity to really pay attention to our staff and stakeholders.

As leaders at all levels, we can use these techniques to guarantee we are actually listening to our people:

• We can practice active listening by really focusing on conversations that are free from interruptions. Nodding, keeping eye contact, and offering comments will help us to show the other person we value what they are saying.
• We can get into the habit of asking open-ended questions. Try to ask questions that call for more than a yes or no response to foster conversation; practice makes this easier. It also helps clarify different points of view.
• We can also develop the good practice of paraphrasing what has been stated and seeking explanation to be sure we understand what is being said.
• Empathy and patience will help you approach any discussion. Know the feelings and drivers behind the words.
• We can also show that we appreciate the discussion by checking back on important issues covered.

?This is now the part where you engage in self-coaching:). Remember our question: How frequently do you actually listen to comprehend rather than only to reply?

Let this question direct you in your contacts this week and support you to create a more communicative and inclusive workplace.

This week, I challenge you to do just three things:

1. Be mindful of your listening habits.

2. Take the time to engage fully in conversations with your team and stakeholders.

3. Reflect on how you can improve your listening skills to better understand and support those around you.

Creating a culture where every voice is heard and valued begins with each and every one of us.

Happy Leading!

#EffectiveLeadership #ActiveListening #EmpoweredTeams

References:

Miravel, J., Lyon, M. (2023). Positive Communication For Leaders - Proven strategies for inspiring unity and effecting change.

Gowdy, T. (2020). Doesn't Hurt To Ask - Using the power of questions to communicate, connect and persuade.

Worline, M. and Dutton, J. (2017). Awakening Compassion at Work - The quiet power that elevates people and organisations.