Comments on: Leadership & The Power of Listening http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/ Where CEOs Come to Grow & where Leadership Matters Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:46:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Ron W http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-32795 Ron W Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:02:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-32795 Very nice posting, I've come to similar conclusions about leadership and listening but you've summed it up so well.   In marketing, people always think about presentation, speaking skills but rarely ever, listening skills.  The only way to know your customers is to keep your ears open, ingest and digest... Very nice posting, I’ve come to similar conclusions about leadership and listening but you’ve summed it up so well.  

In marketing, people always think about presentation, speaking skills but rarely ever, listening skills.  The only way to know your customers is to keep your ears open, ingest and digest…

]]> By: Meredith Bell http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31961 Meredith Bell Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:05:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31961 In one post you've articulated a remarkable number of critical points about listening, Mike. Thank you. I value your ability to hold up the truth about the various leadership topics you write about, and this one is right up there at the top in its importance.  I agree that great listeners are rare. One problem is that most people seem to think they're already good at listening so it's not a skill they work to improve. Your challenge to seek out those with dissenting opinions is excellent. It's one of the best ways to develop critical thinking skills (another essential life skill, which seems to be vanishing) because, if you're willing to do it, you're forced to evaluate your own position or ideas...and consider modifying or abandoning it in light of new evidence. I'm adding a link to my blog post on listening that you commented on, in hopes that it adds to the thinking and discussion here:   http://www.yourvoiceofencouragement.com/2011/07/listening-lesson-in-what-not-to-do.html In one post you’ve articulated a remarkable number of critical points about listening, Mike. Thank you. I value your ability to hold up the truth about the various leadership topics you write about, and this one is right up there at the top in its importance. 

I agree that great listeners are rare. One problem is that most people seem to think they’re already good at listening so it’s not a skill they work to improve. Your challenge to seek out those with dissenting opinions is excellent. It’s one of the best ways to develop critical thinking skills (another essential life skill, which seems to be vanishing) because, if you’re willing to do it, you’re forced to evaluate your own position or ideas…and consider modifying or abandoning it in light of new evidence.

I’m adding a link to my blog post on listening that you commented on, in hopes that it adds to the thinking and discussion here:  
http://www.yourvoiceofencouragement.com/2011/07/listening-lesson-in-what-not-to-do.html

]]> By: NoblePlans http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31958 NoblePlans Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:32:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31958 Mike: (sorry for the delayed response - just read this today) Another excellent yet challenging blog post! Years ago, I was inspired for a season in life to take several months and just "be quiet" in virtually every setting I was engaged in. Fore many reasons this was especially difficult, significantly more so when others would look to me for leadership, input, and direction. However, it became quite the growth experience for me personally and professionally. Realizing that when I demonstrated self-government, hanging back and listening more, others opened up with valuable insights and thoughts that may not have emerged otherwise. In addition, I came to understand that I was simply just "a part, of a larger context". Often I am reminded of that season and get tired of hearing myself again and again. Listening and learning about what others have to say is essential in leadership communication. I still desire to be super-quite at times. Yet because of my role I am often looked upon to help frame the issues on the table in light of the responses of others; and then help drive solutions while still facilitating real discussion and debate. Your post reminds me that less is more (than enough) when exceptional timing is a goal, isn't it? I learned that hitting a baseball as well. Your challenge is a welcome exhortation of the keen insight needed to preserve the value of appreciating listening as a gift and a commodity in authentic communication. Joe Mascia Mike: (sorry for the delayed response – just read this today)

Another excellent yet challenging blog post! Years ago, I was inspired for a season in life to take several months and just “be quiet” in virtually every setting I was engaged in. Fore many reasons this was especially difficult, significantly more so when others would look to me for leadership, input, and direction. However, it became quite the growth experience for me personally and professionally. Realizing that when I demonstrated self-government, hanging back and listening more, others opened up with valuable insights and thoughts that may not have emerged otherwise. In addition, I came to understand that I was simply just “a part, of a larger context”. Often I am reminded of that season and get tired of hearing myself again and again. Listening and learning about what others have to say is essential in leadership communication. I still desire to be super-quite at times. Yet because of my role I am often looked upon to help frame the issues on the table in light of the responses of others; and then help drive solutions while still facilitating real discussion and debate. Your post reminds me that less is more (than enough) when exceptional timing is a goal, isn’t it? I learned that hitting a baseball as well. Your challenge is a welcome exhortation of the keen insight needed to preserve the value of appreciating listening as a gift and a commodity in authentic communication.

Joe Mascia

]]> By: Beyond Horizons http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31957 Beyond Horizons Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:35:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31957 I think that talking without listening is kind of redundant because when you do that, firstly, you don't know whether the person in front has actually understood what you're trying to say. And secondly, you close yourself to insights and different point of views and, thus, limit your perception and scope of improvement. Great post! - Sindoora (http://www.beyondhorizons.in) I think that talking without listening is kind of redundant because when you do that, firstly, you don’t know whether the person in front has actually understood what you’re trying to say. And secondly, you close yourself to insights and different point of views and, thus, limit your perception and scope of improvement.
Great post!

- Sindoora (http://www.beyondhorizons.in)

]]> By: Angela Bisignano http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31952 Angela Bisignano Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:56:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31952 Great post Mike! Two of the most important things people can do when communicating: be present and listen.  Great post Mike!

Two of the most important things people can do when communicating: be present and listen. 

]]> By: Mike Myatt http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31939 Mike Myatt Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:08:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31939 Great thoughts Mark. I believe it was Socrates who said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Introspection, self-examination, and self-awareness are all hallmarks of maturity. Thanks for sharing Mark. Great thoughts Mark. I believe it was Socrates who said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Introspection, self-examination, and self-awareness are all hallmarks of maturity. Thanks for sharing Mark.

]]> By: Mark Oakes http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31937 Mark Oakes Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:43:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31937 Great post, Mike This applies equally to all facets of leadership... work, home, community and self. It is to this last point that I think many leaders miss a golden opportunity...learn to 'listen to yourself'. Namely the process of taking a third party reflexive stance is very instructive and serves as an excellent opportunity to reflect, course adjust and learn. Well done M Great post, Mike

This applies equally to all facets of leadership… work, home, community and self. It is to this last point that I think many leaders miss a golden opportunity…learn to ‘listen to yourself’. Namely the process of taking a third party reflexive stance is very instructive and serves as an excellent opportunity to reflect, course adjust and learn.

Well done

M

]]> By: Mike Myatt http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31936 Mike Myatt Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:26:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31936 Hi Ron: While rare, it's not as scarce as you might think. In fact, there is an entire conference, if not a movement, for people who live out this mindset. If you haven't been, I'd strongly suggest that you find a way to attend the Q conference (www.qideas.com). It's a bit controversial, and you won't always agree with the speakers or their content, but it definitely makes your head hurt (in a good way). Hi Ron:

While rare, it’s not as scarce as you might think. In fact, there is an entire conference, if not a movement, for people who live out this mindset. If you haven’t been, I’d strongly suggest that you find a way to attend the Q conference (www.qideas.com). It’s a bit controversial, and you won’t always agree with the speakers or their content, but it definitely makes your head hurt (in a good way).

]]> By: Mike Myatt http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31935 Mike Myatt Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:19:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31935 Thanks Geoff. It's amazing what can happen when your focus is redirected outward. I have no doubt your "Listening for Leaders" session is well worth the price of admission. Thanks for sharing your story Geoff. Thanks Geoff. It’s amazing what can happen when your focus is redirected outward. I have no doubt your “Listening for Leaders” session is well worth the price of admission. Thanks for sharing your story Geoff.

]]> By: Mike Myatt http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening/comment-page-1/#comment-31934 Mike Myatt Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:09:00 +0000 http://www.n2growth.com/blog/the-power-of-listening#comment-31934 What a great testimony to the power of listening. Thanks for sharing Mike. What a great testimony to the power of listening. Thanks for sharing Mike.

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