Listen!

Leaders who don't listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say

A few years ago, at one of our ‘Company-wide’ meeting (THM) our new ‘Sheriff’ told us during one of his addresses to never be afraid to give feedback. Right before the end of the meeting, quite a number of us happily shared their sincere viewpoint on some of the policies of the company. Thereafter, we noticed the management’s disposition towards all staff changed. Some of the HODs stopped talking to those staff who aired their opinions, some were even shunned at subsequent meetings. The effect of this was even felt in their yearly performance appraisal, where some managers noted, their subordinates were not supportive of the organization objectives while some needed to be a better team player. The picture was quite clear – honest and sincere feedback was not appreciated.

The biggest concern for any organization should be when their most passionate people become quiet

After a few weeks, a co-worker approached me and said, "You are new dude, truthful feedback is just lip service, don't fall for it." I quickly learned loyalists and sycophants were appreciated, while realists were punished. They built a culture of "yes employees". I knew I had so much to offer, yet I couldn't. Six months later, the Sheriff was fired. He made some really avoidable mistakes and bad decision which almost cost the company it’s biggest client. This could have been easily avoided if he had just asked for honest input, but he was surrounded by sycophants who wouldn't tell him the truth.

"You learn when you listen. You earn when you listen—not just money, but respect."

Promoting honest feedback

Be Humble. Many people think humility is a weakness, but it actually takes strength (it is more difficult to be humble when you are up there than on your way up). It makes you approachable. The more humble you are, the more team members would be motivated to share their suggestions and recommendations with you. One of the best employee engagement tools is transparency. To be transparent requires two-way communication, therefore, feedback from employees is important. Honesty creates a solid platform to build a relationship of trust and loyalty. Employees want to be heard and they want to be respected. Listening shows that you care. Additionally, when you receive feedback, act upon it. This helps boost employee morale.

Pride goes before destruction

The ego blinds us with a false sense of indestructibility, clouds our judgement thus leading to poor decisions and a break down of relationships. It’s not about you alone, it’s about the organizations wide goals. Build a strong team and surround yourself with smart, passionate and highly competent people.

"Big egos have little ears."

Developing leadership skills is a lifetime project. It’s very easy and at the same time highly disastrous, as a leader, to feel like you have to be the one who knows everything. Great leaders recognize that they need to keep learning. Leaders need to be willing to learn and be open to seeking input from both inside and outside their organizations.

Honest feedback allows us and the organization to grow. Additionally, treat everyone you meet with respect, from the cleaners to the CEO. Great business tips may come from the most unlikely sources.

" The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply. It takes patience to listen.”

Titans such as Savannah Bank, Nigeria Plc, Intercontinental Bank, Blackberry and Nokia have paid the price for leaders who refused to listen. Their leaders operated in a bubble and engaged in cabal and nepotist inclined opinions. The greater your success, the more you need to stay in touch with fresh opinions and perspectives and welcome honest feedback. The raw truth is needed to make well-informed decisions and steer the organization in the right direction.

As a leader, in whatever capacity, your job is to encourage others around you to be open and honest without a negative consequence. When employees offer their ideas and differing opinions - be open-minded. Companies that remain strong in this competitive market, understand the need to embrace change and continuous improvement through feedback. More than ever, leaders will need to master the skill of “Lead with Listening.” Your success and that of your company will depend on it!

#Leadership #Listen #Communication #Honest #Feedback #CareerSuccess #Business #Success #Employee #Passion #Organisation