Category: Listening Seeds
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FACE CONFLICT HEAD ON – PUT THE BUBBLES ON THE TABLE
Conflict between individuals is an unavoidable part of working life. However, the way disputes are managed will determine whether there is positive resolution or damaging fallout for both employees and the organization. Studies reveal that over 65% of performance problems result from strained relationships between employees. There are a few common strategies that people typically…
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THE ‘EYES’ HAVE IT
I have asked hundreds of leaders the question….”Who is the best listener you know and what are they doing to be the best listener?” In the culture of North America, the number one response is EYE CONTACT. My best listener looks at me when they listen. In a May 28, 2013 article in The Wall…
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SERVANT-LEADERS ARE LISTENING LEADERS
Over 40 years ago, Robert Greenleaf coined the idea of servant-leadership in the workplace in his book, The Servant as Leader. Today, there continues to be a ‘quiet’ revolution in workplaces around the world based on the work of this insightful thought leader. Listening is at the center of this movement. At its core, servant…
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DON’T GO INTO ‘FIX-IT’ MODE ON ME
“I don’t want you to fix it, I just want you to listen to me!” Participants in my listening master classes frequently make this statement as they reveal their annoyances with other peoples’ listening behavior. The problem is that some people in our life do not understand the type of listening that we need. There…
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CARE………A MUST WHEN LISTENING
Why should I listen? I’ll just fake it and they won’t know I’m not listening. This question and statement reveal one of the biggest gaps in many listening situations…..some people just don’t CARE. I have been thinking about the tremendous importance that CARE plays in all situations. In order to listen effectively, you have to…
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LISTEN TO THE WHISPERS
Several years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing the acclaimed leadership authority, Frances Hesselbein. Frances said that “Listening to the whispers of our lives is critical. If we don’t listen to the whispers of our lives, we miss many messages. There are 3 types of whispers. 1. First are the whispers of the…
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LEADERSHIP IS LIKE DANCING
This past Wednesday, 29 leaders from one of the world’s most admired companies entered a ballroom to embark on a new professional development journey….the Dancing in Leadership Workshop. The very diverse group of leaders, from 23 countries around the world, was confronted with a new experience yet one that was very much like the world…
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WHEN SOMEONE DEEPLY LISTENS TO YOU
When someone deeply listens to you It is like holding out a dented cup You’ve had since childhood And watching it fill up with Cold, fresh water. When it balances on top of the brim, You are understood. When it overflows and touches you skin, You a loved. When someone deeply listens to…
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The ROI of Listening
LISTENING PAYS IN MANY WAYS…..IF YOU MAKE THE INVESTMENT. Listening leader Karen Vendetti shared this recent story with me about how listening paid off for her in her new job. “I have relocated to the Washington DC Area working for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). The CEO and president is a retired two star…
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THE SUPER POWER OF THE OPEN, HONEST QUESTION
An honest, open question is one you cannot possibly ask while thinking, “I know the right answer to this and I sure hope you give it to me…” It is all about helping others listen for inner truth. 10 GUIDELINES FOR ASKING OPEN, HONEST QUESTIONS… 1. ASK QUESTIONS that are BRIEF AND TO THE…