Listen Loudly

As a leader, do you talk loudly or listen loudly? Which do you think is the preferred method of gathering information and earning more respect from your team? There’s a clear stand-out option for those desiring to be a better leader. Correct, listening loudly.

Any schmo can talk loudly. I have met plenty of people who think they are leaders who can talk loudly and they often use big words, wave their arms around, stomp their feet, whine, and are demanding. I don’t care for those leaders. I probably won’t follow those leaders. I certainly don’t respect those leaders. They are the type who generally lead with intimidation, don’t really know the people on their team, and probably don’t understand why they experience a high degree of turnover within their organizations.

A leader who listens loudly, that’s a person I can get behind. This is the type of leader I aspire to be. This leader is one who spends time listening to their team members when they talk. One who knows their team members’ names and what activities they are interested in. These leaders can actually listen between the lines, to hear the things that maybe aren’t being said, and understand the felt needs of the person they are interacting with. Leaders who lead listening like this know their team members’ aspirations and their challenges.

Not only that, but because these leaders listen loudly, they can identify where their team works well together and where they need some guidance. Leaders who lead by listening to their team can discern when to intervene, provide direction or assistance, and can also see when the team is really connecting and flourishing. Leaders who pay attention to their team can identify future leaders to raise up and others who could benefit from some mentoring. And, because these leaders listen loudly, they don’t need to be the center of attention and lead by example rather than by demonstration.

Pay attention to the leaders you follow. See if you can tell the difference between who is listening loudly and who is talking loudly and which one you prefer to work with. Decide which type of leader you are or you want to be. Good leaders are coachable and humble. If you desire someone to mentor you, seek out someone who is leading the way you desire your leadership to look like and ask to meet with them. See if they have time for a coaching or mentoring relationship or know of someone who does.

And, if you are the leader and someone comes to you with questions and asks for your help in growing their leadership skills, consider the responsibility of mentoring another leader. Listen loudly to what they ask, find out where they want to go, and share what you know.

Do you have tidbits for mentoring others? Share them here or email them to me!

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