What does it mean to practice listening greatness? There are three main factors:
First and foremost, great listeners choose to improve their listening attitudes and refine specific listening skills. They consistently and systematically focus on the multiple intents, thoughts, desires, and concerns of others. They project energy in the commitment to listen fully to others. With appropriate humility and a perceptive plan, they listen to the needs and dreams of selected speakers. They control their environments and adapt to the source of each message. They are other-centered and as a result serve as “great listener” role models to those they lead and serve.
Second, great listeners invest significant time, energy, and effort in developing other great listeners. To paraphrase Alexander Solzhenitsyn, “The salvation of mankind lies only in making ‘great listening’ the concern of all.”
Third, listening greatness expands when leaders at all levels and in all arenas make a concentrated effort to promote listening greatness beyond their circle of influence. Listening greatness will only be compounded when great listeners teach other great listeners how to teach others the pathway to listening greatness. The need to develop “Listening Organizations” is great and opportunities are endless.
All truly great listeners appreciate the simple truth that the trail to listening greatness is neither easy nor simple. It challenges the best as the trail travels through the forests of speakers, many of whom have little to say and/or do not say it well. True listening greatness is insured when great listeners travel together.
The commitment to strive for listening greatness is a noble and unending goal. When achieved, everyone wins.LISTENING PAYS!