Day 30: How Leaders Create Value Through Listening

Welcome to Day 30 of #ListentoInnovate. We are so glad you are here. This 30-day challenge builds daily, so if you haven't completed day one, please click here to start.

Insights from the annual summer party

It's that time of year again—time for the annual summer office party. It's your turn to host the party, but you're not exactly a partying kind. Nonetheless, the task has made its way around the office, and it's now your turn. Your goal, first and foremost, not to throw the lamest party on record. Second, to make it a party that everyone feels welcome and a part of. And of course, the precedent of all parties - that's its fun. 

You decide you're gonna bring you're A-game to the party and allow everyone else to do the same. One of your top talents outside the office, that applies to parties is you're a grill master. So you decide you'll be in charge of the main course. Next, you ask everyone else to find out what a fun party looks/feels like to them. And the contribution they would be most inclined to make. Here's the line-up.

• John, a vegetarian, is a master of cooking vegetables with bursts of flavors, textures, and colors. He puts himself in charge of several side dishes that will complement the meat you'll be grilling and suffice as a stand-alone meal for the other vegans in the office.
• Sarah loves baking and knows just the right balance of sweet, flaky, and fruity. She has a knack for decadence but with a feeling of lightness that won't put everyone in a sugar coma before the party gets going. She will coordinate with John to ensure that the dessert options complement the meal.
• Marla is a music master. She knows the hits of every decade. Including which singles are global sensations and will be enjoyed by new teammates from other countries. She understands the nuances of music that brings people into the party, cranks it up and chills them right out the door when it's time for the party to be over.
• Jake is in charge of entertainment. He knows what games get people engaged, up, moving, and joining in. More than anyone, he knows how to get people loosing up, stepping out of their comfort zone, present, and enjoying themselves.
• Geoffrey & Natash both have a flair for decorating. They'll be in charge of creating the mood for connection and fun. They'll arrive early to arrange the furnishings, decorate each of the food stations, add the balloons and other items that will cover necessities, and add colorful flair.
• Sue is the drink master. And even though alcohol is prohibited at the office party, her margaritas and other mixed drinks will make you swear they've been spiked. Even the most straightforward water with fruit and mint seem luxuriously thrust quenching. 

The office buzz begins, and everyone is excited about the party and their part they play in making it fun and engaging. Each person is gathering input from the others so that their contribution is enjoyed by all. Marla checks with a team member of faith for their opinion of some implicit musical lyrics. Jake checks in with his female counterparts to make sure his games are not offensive or makes them uncomfortable. Geoffrey & Natasha brainstorm a few themes for the party and let everyone vote on their favorite before purchasing it. As the party day approaches, there are a few glitches - no one thought of ice, Sue's car broke down, and she needed a ride. A quick group message and all the final details are covered.

Party day arrives, and so do the guests, full of excitement and pride in their contributions. From start to finish, the food, music, entertainment, and atmosphere is fun and engaging. Gratitude flies back and forth between guests as they compliment each other on their contribution. The party ends, and you receive a high five from each guest as they exit. They each go on about how awesome the party was. It was the best yet. Everyone pulled together and made it fun and engaging. You smile and recognize your leadership role, which Lao Tzu so eloquently summed up centuries ago.

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say "we did it ourselves." -Lao Tzu

Leaders create higher value through listening.

Even though not everything is as simple as an office party, it can be fun and engaging when leaders listen. Whether your leadership role is for a project, a meeting, or a client presentation you can create greater impact and value through listening. It starts with distinguishing a clear goal. Then through listening, you engage with others, gain their buy-in, their contribution, and chart the path to success. By considering the other participants (design thinking calls them users) you engage and combine everyone's value to create more significant value and positive experience for everyone.  

Day 30 Listening practice

Identify an event that you are the lead on and all the users that will be participating in the gathering. Get clear on your goal for the meeting. Ask the following questions (and others that arise in the conversation) of the users.

1. My goal for the meeting is XXX. What does that look/feel like to you? (the 5 whys are really useful in this context)
2. What about the goal is exciting/interesting for you?
3. What contribution would you be motivated to make?

Challenge Accepted

For increased success, accountability, and fun, let your @LinkedIn community know you have accepted the challenge. Share this post or your listening experience of the day using #challengeaccepted and #listentoinnovate. And don't forget to tag me (@KarenZeigler). I'd love to encourage you and add more value to your listening experience.