Episode 10: Active Listening: Caring > Technique
Truly hearing others is the foundation of genuine connection and uncovers the most critical insights your team holds.
Have you ever tried to pitch an idea to your boss, only to see their attention diverted by their computer? Or has an employee come to you, but your mind was stuck on a hundred other things? You are not alone.
Welcome to the OmniLeadership Podcast, where we empower leaders without limits. I’m your host, Kevin Adamson, and today we are diving into Active Listening.
While there are numerous techniques—paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, maintaining eye contact—you don’t need to memorize any of them. The secret to effective active listening isn't a technique; it's caring.
❤️ Leading with Heart and Head
Think about communication with the person you care about most. The natural back-and-forth—the prioritization of their words—happens because your heart is in it. Active listening techniques come naturally when you genuinely care about the person you're speaking with and what they have to say.
To become a leader who truly practices active listening, you must lead with a combination of heart and head. It starts with a curious heart for your people—a genuine care for their wants and needs as both people and employees.
🐑 What a Shepherd Can Teach You
How do you develop that caring relationship? We look to the example of a shepherd.
A new shepherd doesn't immediately earn the trust of the flock. By consistently spending time with, feeding, protecting, and yes, listening to their flock, the shepherd gets to know the sheep as individuals and as a whole. As a new leader, resist the urge to immediately provide all the answers. Just like the shepherd, you must invest time. Follow this model: Watch for 30 days, ask questions with a curious heart for clarity for 30 days, and only then begin to offer suggestions.
🛑 Why Active Listening is Crucial
People fundamentally want to be accepted and heard. When you genuinely care, you dedicate attention to hearing what they say.
Active listening is important because it:
- Demonstrates Value: It shows you care about the other person and their contribution.
- Aids Comprehension: It allows you to understand the message, even what is unspoken.
- Builds Connection: It creates bridges, establishes respect, and fosters a safe environment where people are encouraged to return and talk to you again.
Remember this: Multitasking does not demonstrate value to others. If you’ve been guilty of checking your phone during a conversation, challenge yourself to do better.
If you believe you're "not a people person," or find yourself dreading conversations, I challenge you to self-analyze. Leadership is about people. Start small, break down those barriers, and practice active listening until you build up to the bigger things.
You got this. Leadership is without limits—so don’t impose any on yourself.
If you or someone you know struggles to be an active listener, share this episode with them! Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the OmniLeadership Podcast so you don't miss the next building block of purposeful leadership without limits.
*AI produced based on original script
